Echoguided treatment of simple renal cysts: our experience from 1995 to 2010

The simple renal cysts are the most frequent lesions of kidney in adults. Approximately 30% of subjects older than 70 years presents a simple renal cysts. It is well accepted that a simple renal cyst without symptoms does not require any treatment. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the echoguided treatment of simple renal cysts with a single sclerotherapy. Material and methods: Since 1995 to March 2010 in our clinic 329 patients underwent percutaneous drainages of simple renal cysts. In 56 cases (17% of patients) it was a simple aspiration, in 69 cases (21%) a drainage was placed for 24 hour continuous draining and in 204 cases (62%) lesions were treated by sclerotherapy. After aspiration of fluid we injected inside the cyst 99% ethanol in the amount equal to 30% of aspirated volume and never exceeding 60 ml. After 40 minutes we aspirated ethanol and removed the drainage. Results: The outcome was considered good if the size of the cyst was less of 50% of the primary size. Percutaneous drainage with sclerotherapy showed a success rate of almost 100% using 99% ethanol. However, this method is not completely free from complications. Conclusions: The long-term results and the mini-invasive modality of treatment without hospedalization are the most important advantages of this procedure. Furthermore our experience showed a good success rate with a single sclerotherapy with benefit to the patient and lower costs of procedure.