Q: When should a hydronephrotic kidney be removed, or should it be removed at all? This is for my 57-year-old daughter who had ovarian cancer 6 years ago. She had surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

A:A hydronephrotic kidney is removed in the following situations: 1. Kidney is not functioning or has very poor function and the cause of hydronephrosis can't be taken care of. 2. Infected non functioning hydronephrotic kidney 3. Uncontrolled pain due to hydronephrotic kidney 4. Bleeding from or into non functioning hydronephrotic kidney.