What precautions should a 5 years old child with a single kidney take?
Asst. Professor of Medicine,
Overton Brooks VA Medical Centre,
USA
Q: My brother's son aged 5 years old, underwent medical treatment for a kidney problem. Due to unavoidable circumstances they removed his right kidney because cancer had spread to his right kidney. Now his treatment is over and he is doing fine. But I am afraid regarding his future. Are there any restrictions for him (i.e. medicines, playing, working & eating)? Please advise me.
A:If his remaining kidney is healthy and disease free, he may not have any problem all his life. According to some estimates, one in 5000-7000 person is born with a single kidney and leads his life without any problems. Thus, besides periodical medical exam, living healthy smoke-free life style (including regular exercise, weight and blood pressure control) and periodical blood pressure check and urine exam is all that I can recommend at this point.