I am 41 and I was in one of the first groups of people to have surgery for this issue. I had the surgery when I was 11 yrs old at Duke University Hospital. I had kidney infections almost non stop from the time I was old enough for them to diangose them. I'm certian the surgery has evolved over time and your son will be in pretty good hands. I only have one functioning kidney, but was that way before the surgery. I have given birth to 3 children, and lead a normal productive life. I can safely say that Dr. Paulson saved my life and I would not have lived to adulthood without the surgery. I do not have any recourring issues from the surgery or my right kidney.

That being said, it sounds like your son is in better shape than I was starting out. If they are advising surgery, and you are uncomfortable, you should get a second or third opinion until you feel comfortable. Once you feel you have made the best, and most well informed decision you can, then move forward. And if you are asking about height issues, I am 5-3, but my dad is only 5-6 so that might not be helpful.