[Therapy of polycystic kidney from the viewpoint of our changed perspective]

Even today the majority of authors stress the need for maximum conservatism in the treatment of polycystic kidneys. Since 1979 the therapeutic principles have been modified in agreement with the suggestions of Pytel. It is claimed that the polycystic lesion of kidneys causes--according to the Goldblatt-effect--hypertension due to the compression of the renal arteries by the cysts. Extirpation of the cysts reduces the compression of the vessels, thus reduction of the high blood pressure and of the pressure atrophy of the parenchyma can be expected. The first results (12 patients) have been promising. The operational method described is believed to be one of the possibilities of treating polycystic kidneys.