Brief Answer:
Please do detailed evaluation and have a doctor discuss it with him

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. A single kidney is more common than thought and 1 in 1000 persons might have it.

2. The kidney is an organ which helps in cleaning the blood of toxic components. Usually adults have two kidneys but rarely one kidney might be located in abnormal location or might be absent. The human body is capable of functioning normally with the help of one kidney.

3. I suggest a second opinion to look for the missing kidney using ultrasound scan, IVP or CT scan and if recommended then a nuclear renal scan might be done. This will show any kidney which is located in abnormal position.

4. Please take him to the pediatrician or urologist and let the doctor explain to him that having a single kidney is a situation in many people and it does not cause any serious problem. I believe a face to face discussion with your son might benefit his situation.

5. Taking slight precautions like repeating kidney function tests on a regular basis and avoiding medicines which might cause side effect on the kidney is recommended.

Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---

Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. No serious problems will happen due to having single kidney. Rough sports might be avoided to prevent injury to the single kidney. This is a personal choice and some people with single kidney play rough games carefully.

2. I suggest he drinks adequate water and gets an ultrasound scan done every year to make sure his kidney is alright. Blood tests for kidney function might be done every 6 - 12 months.

3. Medicines that might cause kidney damage should not be given to him.

4. If there is any severe pain in abdomen any time then an ultrasound scan should be done to evaluated the kidney.

5. There is still controversy about the role of protein restriction for patients with a solitary kidney, especially in children. Research shows that children with a creatinine clearance of less than 50% of normal may safely limit protein intake to the recommended daily allowance of protein for children. Please discuss this with your doctor, many doctors have different views on this point.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

---