The role of retroperitoneoscopy in the management of simple renal cysts

Aim: In this study, we aimed to show that all the Bosniak Type 1 cysts with any localization, size, number or previous surgery can be managed with retroperitoneoscopic decortication in our clinic. Materials and Methods: We incorporated in the study 35 patients that had symptomatic type 1 renal cysts and were treated with retroperitoneoscopic decortication in our clinic between July 2012 and January 2014. A comparative analysis of cyst laterality, localization, and size, operation time, previous surgery was performed. Retroperitoneal space was created by balloon dilator. After an 11-mm optic trocar was inserted, a 10-mm port (dominant hand) and a 5-mm port were inserted under direct vision to become an equilateral triangle. Results: Mean cyst diameter was 84.2 +/- 17.2 mm (56-132 mm). Twenty (57.14%) cases had right, 15 (42.86%) cases had left renal cyst. The mean operation time was 40.1 +/- 11.5 minutes. Four (11.4%) patients had previous surgery, 3 (8.5%) patients had percutaneous aspiration with sclerotherapy before. The mean operative time was 36.6 +/- 8.3 minutes for primary cases, 54.2 +/- 12 minutes for secondary cases and it was statistically longer (p: 0.002). Discussion: Retroperitoneoscopic renal cyst decortication is a safe and fast procedure with the increasing use of laparoscopy. Previous surgery was the factor for longer operation time in our study.