Percutaneous Decortication of Cystic Renal Disease

PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of percutaneous unroofing in the treatment of simple renal cysts instead of laparoscopic decortication and open surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 2009 to October 2010 at our department, 11 patients with 12 simple cyst units were managed by percutaneous unroofing. All cysts were evaluated with ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. If there were no contraindications, cyst wall resection was performed. A standard transurethral resectoscope was used to resect the cyst wall, and the parenchymal portion of the cyst was subsequently cauterized. The drain was left in place for 2 days. RESULTS At the 5-month follow-up, patients were asked about their symptoms and ultrasonography was performed. From 12 cyst units, 8 were completely resolved, 3 were reduced to less than 50%, and 1 was persistent to near its original size. Success was defined as a more than 50% reduction in cyst volume. CONCLUSIONS Simple renal cysts can be safely managed by percutaneous unroofing with a success rate of more than 90%. This technique can offer several advantages over open surgery, such as decreased length of hospital stay, improved convalescence, and reduced risk of complications. Percutaneous resection also avoids the multiple trocar sites, extensive dissection, and technical difficulty associated with laparoscopy.