Can You Live with One Kidney After Surgery?

Yes, you can live a healthy and normal life with just one kidney. Many people are born with one functioning kidney, and others donate a kidney or have one removed due to cancer or injury. After a radical nephrectomy, where the entire kidney is removed, the remaining kidney usually adapts and takes over the job of both kidneys.

The kidneys are responsible for:

• Filtering waste from the blood
• Balancing fluids and electrolytes
• Regulating blood pressure
• Supporting red blood cell production

With one kidney, all of these functions can still be maintained effectively—provided the remaining kidney is healthy.

What to Expect After Kidney Removal

After surgery, doctors will:

• Monitor your kidney function through blood tests (like creatinine and eGFR)
• Check your blood pressure regularly
• Recommend a balanced diet low in salt and protein, especially if kidney function is reduced
• Encourage hydration and avoiding medications that can harm the kidneys, such as certain painkillers (NSAIDs)

Long-Term Outlook

Most people with one kidney do not develop kidney problems. However, a small percentage may experience:

• Mild decline in kidney function
• Higher blood pressure over time
• If your remaining kidney was already healthy before surgery, it will usually grow slightly larger and take on the extra workload.

Doctors generally recommend:

• Regular check-ups with blood and urine tests
• A healthy lifestyle with good blood pressure control
• Avoiding activities with a high risk of kidney injury (e.g., contact sports)

Living with one kidney is not a disability. You can work, travel, exercise, and live normally—just with a few added precautions.

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