Retrospective Evaluation of the Clinical Values of Minimally Invasive Marsupialization of Symptomatic Giant Renal Cysts.

To evaluate the indication and benefit of minimally invasive laparoscopic marsupialization (MIS) of symptomatic giant renal cysts. Sixty-four consecutive patients who underwent MIS for large renal cysts (Bosniak I; 4 × 5-16 × 12 cm) by one surgeon were included in the study. Presenting symptoms were renal pain (100%), associated with hypertension (28%), renal dysfunction (4.7%), hematuria (4.7%), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) (7.8%), ipsilateral urolithiasis (4.7%), polycystic kidney (6.3%), adrenal cyst (1.6%), and retroperitoneal cysts (1.6%). Seven patients with peripelvic cysts and previous retroperitoneal operations were treated by a laparoscopic approach; all other patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic marsupialization. Single-port retroperitoneoscopy was performed in 4 patients. Follow-up included clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound, and computed tomography scan. Postoperative radiologic success was defined as a minimum of 50% in size reduction and no recurrence. Mean patients' age was 46 (21-65) years. All procedures were successfully completed without conversion or revision. Mean operative time was 55 (40-85) minutes with a mean hospital stay of 3 days. All patients underwent uneventful postoperative recovery. Observed minor complications (transitory fever/pain) were found in 4 patients during the first postoperative month. Median follow-up was 12 months (10 months-2 years). About 98.5% of patients reported of no relevant postoperative pain. A relief from UPJO and hematuria was achieved in 100% of patients. Ten patients with known hypertensive disease (55.6%) had a significant reduction of mean blood pressure resulting in a reduction of antihypertensive medication. Ureterorenoscopic stone extractions were performed successfully afterward. No cyst recurrences were detected during the follow-up period. Treatment indications for symptomatic renal cysts could include not only symptoms but also associated diseases like UPJO and hypertension. Retroperitoneoscopic MIS may be curative for these cyst-associated pathologies. The feasibility, safety and efficacy of these techniques could be demonstrated.