What is the life expectancy of a man living with one kidney?

Question

After a few bouts of severe back pain my husband went to the E.R and was told he had kidney stones. After a CT scan the doctor told him that he also had a 4cm mass in his kidney and that he had to have that kidney removed. The other kidney is ok. He just had bariatric surgery 3 months ago and has lost 93lbs so far. He up until this point had been on track with the exception of a few vitamin deficienties.

Answer 1

With the right treatment and healthy lifestyle, he can live a loooong time.  

Answer 2

Life expectancy is the same if everything else is normal. The mass will tell you more though. With tumors there is always a risk of a recurrence on the other kidney. With genetic abnormalities there may not be any risk.

Find out what the mass is then you'll have a better prognosis.

Answer 3

ALWAYS get a second opinion.  He may only need to have a portion of the kidney removed.  Make sure it is 100% necessary to have the whole kidney removed.

He can live a full life with one kidney.  He needs to stay healthy to avoid illness that will affect the kidneys (ie sugar).

Good health to you and your husband!