Abstract

Aim: In this study, we evaluated the results of the treatments of symptomatic simple renal cysts that were carried out at our clinic using the retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedure. Material-Methods: Between the date January 2011 and July 2013 the records of 35 patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic cyst decortication due to symptomatic renal cysts were scrutinized. The patients were evaluated according to age, symptom, cyst location, cyst size, operation time, length of hospital stay and complications. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.43 (± 12.9) years, 10 patients were female (31.2%), and 22 (68.8%) were male. Average cyst size was 78.34 (±16.94) cm. All patients were operated on using the retroperitoneal approach. 14 cyst (43.7%) were located on the right side and 18 (56.3) were located on the left side. The average duration of hospital stay was 1.23 (±0.45) days and the average operation time was 72.80 (±7.58) minutes. One patient had to undergone open surgery due to hemorrhagic vision. All cysts were classified as Bosniak type 1 or 2 and pathological examination revealed no evidence of malignancy. No cysts were found during three postoperative ultrasound control of the patients. Symptomatic success rate of 84%, radiological success rate of 100% was detected. Conclusion: The retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedure is a minimally invasive, safe and effective option in the treatment of simple renal cysts. In addition, the retroperitoneal approach provides avoidance of complications such as peritonitis and intraabdominal organ injury.