The decision to have a kidney cyst removed depends on several factors, which we will learn about in this article, in addition to other aspects related to this process.
Some cases of kidney cysts require surgical intervention, especially if they cause harmful symptoms and complications. We will now learn about the process of removing a cyst on the kidney, its types, and when it is necessary to perform it:
Kidney cyst removal surgery
When a large cyst forms on the kidney, it is often recommended to remove it surgically. The main methods for performing a kidney cyst removal operation are divided into the following three types:
1. Retrograde internal surgery - RIRS
This operation is the best option to remove the cyst that can be accessed from the drainage area in the renal pelvis, as a small telescope is ed through the natural opening in the body into the ureter to reach the kidney.
A small hole is made in the cyst with a laser to drain its contents, after which a small tube is left in the ureter for two weeks to aid healing. It is noteworthy that this operation is performed without the need for the patient to stay in the hospital, and the tube is removed from the ureter inside the clinic after the specified period has passed.
2. Precutaneous kidney surgery - PKS
This operation is appropriate when the cyst is large and located in the background of the kidney, and this operation is performed by creating a small hole in the skin in order to reach the kidney.
After creating the hole, the kidney is gagged, the endoscope is ed through the gag and the cyst is opened through X-ray control. It is reported that this operation usually requires the patient to stay in the hospital.
3. Laparoscopy and cyst removal - LCR
This operation is suitable for cases where the number of cysts is large, and this occurs in adults with polycystic kidney disease (APCKD).
When this operation begins, the doctor makes three incisions in the abdomen in order to deliver small medical equipment through it to the kidney, and it usually does not require the patient to stay in the hospital unless it is performed in both kidneys together.
What to expect after the removal of a cyst on the kidney
After the end of the process of removing a cyst on the kidney, specifically with laparoscopy, the patient should expect the following:
1. In relation to pain
The feeling of pain at the site of the operation is usually slight and controlled with analgesic medications, and the patient may also feel occasional pain in the shoulder for a day or two.
2. What is related to food
The patient can return to his usual diet most of the time on the day of the operation itself or shortly after it.
3. What is related to practicing activities
Most patients are able to return to their usual activities within 3-4 weeks of the procedure.
When is the operation to remove a cyst on the kidney?
If it appears through the images and examinations that the cyst formed on the kidney is simple (Simple cyst - SC), then there is usually no need to take any action, but if it turns out that the cyst is complex (Complex cyst - CC), that is, its edges are irregular in shape or its walls are very thick, Then the patient must be followed up with periodic imaging.
The doctor usually resorts to a procedure to remove a cyst on the kidney in one of the following cases:
Enlargement of the cyst to the extent that it causes pain or high blood pressure.
The possibility of it becoming cancerous.
The emergence of a decline in the ability of the college to perform its functions.
