Retroperitoneal laparoscopic decortication of simple renal cysts using the bipolar PlasmaKinetic scissors

Objectives: To analyse the efficacy, safety and feasibility of retroperitoneal laparoscopic decortication of simple renal cysts using bipolar PlasmaKinetic scissors. Methods: Records of 19 patients who underwent laparoscopic decortication of simple renal cysts, performed with bipolar PlasmaKinetic scissors without additional fulguration of the base or the margin of resection, were retrospectively reviewed. Long‐term symptomatic and radiological outcomes were assessed. Results: One single cyst was treated in fourteen (73.7%) cases, two cysts in three (15.8%) cases, three cysts in one (5.2%) case and multiple cysts in one case with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. They were peripherally located in thirteen, peripelvic in three, and parenchymal in two cases. An average of 3.1 trochars were used for each procedure. The mean operating time was 82.5 ± 16.7 min (range, 50–135). Neither open conversion nor blood transfusion was necessary. A total of six minor complications were encountered. Mean hospital stay 2.3 ± 0.9 days (range, 1–4). After a mean follow up of 14.3 ± 5.9 months (range, 3–24), symptomatic success was achieved in 89.5%, and radiological success was accomplished in 88.2%. An asymptomatic cyst recurrence was observed in one (5.9%) case, and one (5.9%) case with residual pain had new cyst formation at another site of the kidney. Conclusions: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic cyst decortication using bipolar PlasmaKinetic scissors is a feasible and efficient method, eliminating further fulguration of the base and the margins of the cysts. Operating times are shorter than previously published series and highly satisfactory long‐term success rates are achieved.