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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Nephrectomy Advisable For An Elderly Person With Non-functioning Kidney?

YES...my sister age 73 has a nonfunctioning left kidney for 4 years. Has experienced left back/flank pain usually relieved with tylenol & heat Marked hydronephrosis. Urologisr showed us last ct scan of 2 weeks ago & left kidney is at least 3x larger than right kidney. It actually looked like 3 kidneys attached together in a flower or petal shape. Saw new urologist today & said sister could leave things as they are, have a stent inserted to relieve hydronephrosis or have a nephrectomy...leaving the choice to my sister. Any ideas from your perspective on what choice she should select? I will add that she is very active & has mild hypertension but otherwise in pretty good shape.
Fri, 30 Dec 2022
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  Anonymous's Response
's  Response
Hi,

Taking your sisters age into consideration, regardless of her otherwise good health, it might be advisable to take the minimalist approach. If she is fine with the occasional flank pain, my advice would be to leave things as they are. While a nephrectomy these days is a relatively quick procedure, it is still associated with the common risks of abdominal surgery and anesthesia.

In short - the answer to your question relies on what your sister would like. All 3 suggested possible treatments are fine and completely justifiable. Had it been my sister, I would advice the occasional Tylenol and the wait-and-see approach.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Maria Riechel-Sarup, General & Family Physician
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Is Nephrectomy Advisable For An Elderly Person With Non-functioning Kidney?

Hi, Taking your sisters age into consideration, regardless of her otherwise good health, it might be advisable to take the minimalist approach. If she is fine with the occasional flank pain, my advice would be to leave things as they are. While a nephrectomy these days is a relatively quick procedure, it is still associated with the common risks of abdominal surgery and anesthesia. In short - the answer to your question relies on what your sister would like. All 3 suggested possible treatments are fine and completely justifiable. Had it been my sister, I would advice the occasional Tylenol and the wait-and-see approach. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Maria Riechel-Sarup, General & Family Physician