Do I really have to have a kidney removed because I have kidney stones?

This article is a real case study of virtual services provided by Teladoc Health. To protect client privacy, all names and dates of treatment are fictitious.

During an annual physical examination, Mrs. Chen, 51 years old, was found to have severe hydronephrosis on the right side, obstruction of the right ureter, and kidney stones on both sides. She underwent right ureteral laser-assisted lithotripsy for the ureteral stones at a local hospital. Four months later, follow-up examinations still revealed stones in the right ureter and severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney. A renal angiography was interpreted as "the right kidney is essentially non-functional," and the removal of the right kidney was recommended.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are the abnormal accumulation of crystalline substances such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine, etc., in the kidneys. They are a common and frequently occurring disease of the urinary system. The most common harm caused by kidney stones is the obstruction of the urinary system's lumen, which can lead to hydronephrosis above the site of obstruction if severe. If kidney stones are not treated proactively, long-term hydronephrosis of the renal pelvis and urinary obstruction can occur. The pressure above the obstruction can become too great, leading to a reduction in kidney blood flow, which can cause degeneration and necrosis of the renal tubules, resulting in decreased kidney function or failure, and ultimately, the onset of uremia.

Mrs. Chen was very afraid of undergoing surgery, concerned about the risks and harm it might bring. She was even more anxious about the possibility that removing a kidney could severely affect her future life and work. Therefore, she contacted Teladoc Health through her insurance company to seek opinions from authoritative international experts.

Teladoc Health collaborates with over 50,000 authoritative experts worldwide. After collecting and organizing Mrs. Chen's medical reports, we precisely matched her with a nephrology expert from one of the top medical institutions in the United States to provide an opinion.

The expert, based in America, believes that based on the existing medical history and investigations, the diagnosis of "non-functional right kidney" cannot be fully confirmed yet. Before proceeding with the removal of the right kidney, it is suggested to consider placing a percutaneous nephrostomy tube in the right side. Subsequently, the necessity for surgery should be re-evaluated based on renal function test indicators and the urine output of the right kidney. If the right kidney shows good urine output and blood tests show improvement, then the right kidney indeed might be saved. Additionally, the expert advised Mrs. Chen to take measures to protect the other healthy kidney. This is because if both kidneys are damaged or lost, the consequences would be extremely serious, with dialysis being the only survival option. For this reason, the expert provided detailed dietary and lifestyle guidance.

After hearing the expert's opinion, Mrs. Chen finally understood the hazards of kidney stones. She regretted not paying attention earlier, as she usually prefers salty food and does not drink enough water. Moving forward, she will actively discuss the expert's recommendations with her primary care physician. In order to preserve her quality of life, she will make every effort to save her right kidney. At the same time, she is grateful for the American expert's advice and guidance on protecting her other healthy kidney, which is even more important to her.

Actively preventing kidney stones is crucial for maintaining a healthy and happy life.

Here are some tips:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important measures to prevent kidney stones. Aim for about 2 liters per day to keep the urine diluted, which can help reduce the formation of crystals.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Control salt intake and eat less food rich in oxalates, which can accelerate stone formation. Foods high in oxalates, such as spinach and celery, should be consumed in moderation to reduce the formation of stones in the urine.

3. Regular Exercise: Avoid sitting for long periods, which can contribute to stone formation. Engage in outdoor walks or exercise to promote the body's metabolism, enhancing your immune system and disease resistance.

No matter where you are, the expert team at Teladoc Health can provide you with timely and professional medical support, helping you make the best health decisions.