Laparoscopic unroofing of simple renal cysts

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical reliability of laparoscopic treatment for simple renal cysts. Methods. Twenty patients with symptomatic simple renal cysts underwent laparoscopic unroofing of the cysts. Four of these patients also underwent concomitant laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of symptomatic gallbladder stones. Results. In all cases the cyst wall was widely resected with no significant surgical complication. Cholecystectomy was easily performed without additional morbidity. Postoperative renal ultrasonography and intravenous urography demonstrated the absence of cyst recurrences and the integrity of the excretory tract. Symptoms were resolved by the operation in all cases. Conclusions. Laparoscopic unroofing is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for selected symptomatic simple renal cysts.