Laparoscopic management of symptomatic simple renal cysts

To evaluate the efficacy of retroperitoneoscopy for the treatment of symptomatic renal cyst disease.

We evaluated the efficacy and morbidity of aspiration versus open and laparoscopic surgical techniques in a paired institution over a 20-year period. Prospectively recorded parameters for the 11 cases dealt with by primary retroperitoneoscopic techniques were compared with historical controls dealt with by open surgery.

Small volume cysts were satisfactorily dealt with by aspiration alone. All patients undergoing laparoscopic cyst decortication for the larger volume cysts had a satisfactory outcome with improvement in their symptoms and objective cure on follow up imaging studies.

Laparoscopic management for all cysts is a safe, effective and minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for symptomatic renal cysts. Simple drainage under radiological guidance is also highly effective and should probably be first line treatment for cysts up to 6 cms in diameter whereas primary laparoscopic treatment should be suggested for larger cysts.