A two-year-old boy suffering from severe abdominal pain and swelling on one side of his stomach was successfully treated at KIMS Hospital in Kurnool. The child’s left kidney, which had stopped functioning, had grown abnormally large, causing significant health complications, the doctors said on Wednesday.
Dr. Y. Manoj Kumar, senior consultant Urologist, Andrologist, and Infertility Specialist at KIMS Hospital said that the child from Kurnool had a congenital issue and his left kidney was not functioning properly since birth. “Typically, a kidney in a two-year-old measures around 4 cm, but in this case, it had enlarged to 20 cm. The swollen kidney was pressing against the urinary tract, leading to blockages and fluid accumulation in the abdomen, causing severe pain and noticeable swelling,” said Dr. Manoj Kumar.
After conducting necessary evaluations, the team determined that removing the non-functioning kidney was the best course of action. Considering the child’s age, the surgical team opted for a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure instead of open surgery.
“Through incisions measuring just 1 to 1.5 cm, we removed the dysfunctional kidney after draining the accumulated abdominal fluid. The remaining kidney is functioning well, and the child’s urination is now normal. We discharged the child on the second day after surgery,” Dr. Manoj Kumar added.
The doctor said that having a single kidney will not hinder the child’s normal activities like playing, attending school, or leading a regular life. However, Dr. Manoj Kumar advised monitoring for potential conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes in adulthood, which could pose greater risks for individuals with a single kidney.
Published – January 08, 2025 07:44 pm IST
