Early Experience of Laparoscopic Renal Cyst Marsupialization

Chung, Hun Young; Seo, Kie Seok; Rim, Joung Sik

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the eligibility of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of renal cysts, we analysed our clinical results of laparoscopic renal cyst marsupialization in 9 patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 1994 and February 1997, a total of 9 patients with renal cyst underwent laparoscopic surgery. They were 2 men and 7 women 42 to 67 years old. Mean cyst size of the patient was 7.3cm(5-10cm). Presenting symptoms were flank pain in 8 and palpable mass in 1. One patient had previously undergone ultrasonography guided percutaueous aspiration and ablation. One patient had bilateral renal cyst. Initially the procedures had been performed via the transperitoneal approach in 4 patients after that we attempted retroperitoneal access for laparoscopy in 5 patients(6 renal units). During the operation cyst fluid was obtained for cytologic examination and cyst walls were excised and sent for pathological examination.
RESULTS
Mean operation time was 2 hours and 14 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 5.9 days. Perioperative complications were pain(20%), bleeding(10%), subcutaneous emphysema(20%) and pneumothorax(10%). Bleeding was minimal but 2 units of packed red cell were needed in 1 patient. Conversion to open surgery from laparoscopic procedure was needed in 1 patient. Biopsy results were negative for carcinoma. All patients were asymptomatic at a mean follow up of 12.5 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic renal cyst marsupialization for symptomatic renal cysts seems to be a safe and effective alternative to open surgery.