The laparoscopic management of symptomatic renal cysts: A single-centre experience

To present our experience of treating symptomatic renal cysts by different techniques of laparoscopic decortication, as there are many treatment options for such cysts, each of them with advantages and drawbacks.

Between January 2002 and December 2012, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic renal-cyst decortication; 15 of them had recurrent cysts after percutaneous aspiration. A retroperitoneal approach was adopted in 44 cases, transperitoneal in four and laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) cyst decortication in three (two of them had bilateral renal cyst decortications in the same session). All patients were diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography to determine the Bosniak classification of the cyst. Pain and cyst recurrence were assessed during the follow-up.

All procedures were completed successfully, with no major intraoperative complications. The mean (range) operative duration was 56 (35-125) min, affected by the site and number of cysts unroofed. All patients were symptom-free except one, who had a recurrent large cyst, anteriorly located, and who underwent open cyst decortication.

Laparoscopic decortication of symptomatic renal cysts should be the standard of care, especially after failed percutaneous aspiration or decortication. LESS cyst decortication is a promising technique, especially with bilateral pathology. It is feasible with conventional laparoscopic instruments and gives a better cosmetic outcome.