Laparoscopic unroofing of symptomatic kidney cysts. A single center experience.

AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate success and complications of laparoscopic transperitoneal renal cyst unroofing and assess its long-term results at our center.

METHODS: From October 2008 till April 2012, 23 patients (14 male and 9 female) with a mean age of 53.6 years (range 32-70), underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic renal cyst unroofing at our center. None of the patients, had history of ipsilateral kidney surgery. Complication and outcomes were evaluated. Symptom resolving and disappearance of the cyst or decreasing its size to less than 1/3 of its primary size in radiographies was considered as success.

RESULTS: Unroofing was achieved in 100% of patients. Mean operative time was 36.6 minutes (range 25 to 60) and mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 2 to 8). No open conversions were necessary during procedure but one patient underwent open exploration hours after laparoscopy because of need to complete hemostasis. Symptomatic and radiologic success was achieved in 91.3% of patients, with a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 3 to 24). One patient developed a recurrence. One ureter stricture revealed in follow up period which needed open uretero-ureterostomy. No visceral complication occurred.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transperitoneal ureterolithotomy is an effective treatment option for skilled surgeons but care must be taken because complications may occur.