Does renal atrophy in the right kidney require treatment?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
In general, renal atrophy of the right kidney may require intervention. If the atrophy severely impairs overall kidney function and leads to clear symptoms of renal insufficiency—such as elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels—and these symptoms cannot be effectively managed with medications or other treatments, renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, may need to be considered.
Under normal circumstances, a shrunken right kidney may need to be treated or removed.
If the shrinkage of the right kidney leads to severe impairment of overall kidney function and causes clear symptoms of renal insufficiency—such as elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels—and these symptoms cannot be effectively managed with medications or other treatments, renal replacement therapy may be considered. This could include hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and in certain cases, even kidney transplantation. In such situations, surgical removal of the severely atrophied and non-functional right kidney might become part of the treatment plan. Depending on the specific clinical scenario, the surgery may involve removing the shrunken kidney to eliminate the source of disease, improve renal blood circulation, or restore urinary tract patency. However, for patients with only mild kidney shrinkage and relatively preserved kidney function, treatment under medical supervision with antihypertensive and anti-infective medications may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms and protect remaining kidney function.
Maintaining adequate sleep and a regular daily routine, avoiding late nights and excessive fatigue, can help reduce the burden on the kidneys.
