[Kidney cysts in the computerized tomogram--incidence and therapeutic consequences]

In 2000 consecutive abdominal computertomograms it was 788 times possible to receive accurate evaluation of both kidneys. Incidence and shape of renal cysts were identified as well as subsequent urologic evaluation and therapy of these patients, which was done in a surprising small number of cases. The incidence of simple renal cysts is that high (5.6%), that diagnostic exploration of each renal cyst is not possible. This should be done only in those patients where the results of nonsurgical diagnosis is not possible or cannot definitely exclude renal tumor. If operative diagnosis is indicated it can be done without risk for the patient an the kidney, since our own experience show no kidney loss or mortality in 65 consecutive cases. However, the diagnosis renal cyst in those, not surgically explored, should be confirmed by ultrasound with cyst puncture and analysis.