Laparoscopic Kidney Cyst Ablation - Procedure and Complications

What Is Laparoscopic Kidney Cyst Ablation?

Laparoscopic kidney cyst ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used in the surgical treatment of a kidney cyst. Kidney cysts are fluid-filled cavities in the organ. This procedure is performed to remove cysts of the kidney that could have become symptomatic. Since this procedure is minimally invasive, it helps preserve a large part of the kidney. This procedure is considered a primary treatment protocol in cases of back pain due to kidney cysts or obstruction of vessels due to cysts and flank pain.

Laparoscopic ablation, when compared to conventional surgical procedures, is less invasive, has a shorter hospital stay, better recovery, and is less painful. It also has a more cosmetic approach when compared to conventional surgery. Laparoscopic ablation has become one of the most used treatment procedures for the removal of cysts.

What Is a Kidney Cyst?

A kidney cyst is a condition that causes cysts (fluid-filled cavities) to form on the surface of the kidneys. The cyst/cysts around the kidneys can cause obstruction in the filtration of water and waste products from the blood. The cyst can be solitary or can occur in multiple numbers. When the cysts are multiple in number, it is known as polycystic kidney disease. Cysts are non-cancerous in nature. If left untreated, a kidney can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. The characteristic feature of a cyst is pain. The cyst can grow on the surface of the kidney or inside the organ. It may affect one or both kidneys.

The cysts can grow in size and hinder the normal function of the kidneys. Greater the number of cysts, more the damage to the function. Polycystic kidney diseases can also cause cysts in other parts of the body, such as the liver. The severity and complications of CKD can be managed with lifestyle management and medication.

What Causes a Kidney Cyst?

The exact cause of kidney cyst formation is unknown. However, the most common reason is the formation of a pouch on the surface of the organ. When the outermost layer of the organ weakens, a pouch is formed. Fluid accumulates in this pouch. This pouch later becomes independent from the outermost layer of the kidney to form a pouch.

What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Cyst?

The following are some of the symptoms of a kidney cyst:

1. A sharp or dull pain can be felt in the back or on the sides. Pain can be felt on both sides.

2. Pain while passing urine.

3. Fever.

4. Frequent and recurrent headaches.

5. High blood pressure.

6. Blood in the urine.

7. Kidney infections.

8. Difficulty in producing urine.

9. Kidneys can appear enlarged. Enlargement of the kidneys can also appear as kidney mass.

10. Kidney stones.

11. Bleeding or bursting of the cysts.

How Is Laparoscopic Kidney Cyst Ablation Performed?

The following is the procedure of laparoscopic kidney cyst ablation:

• Laparoscopic ablation of the kidney cyst is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure may last about two to three hours.

• Three to four keyholes (incisions less than 0.39 inch) are made in the abdomen, which acts as a pathway for the instruments. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a telescope) and instruments to inspect the affected kidney and its surrounding structures.

• Carbon dioxide gas is filled in the abdomen. This is done so as to give more working space to the surgeon.

• Once the cyst is located in the organ, it is isolated from the surrounding structures (to prevent the fluid from reaching other organs). Once isolated, the cyst wall is opened, and its fluid is drained.

• Coagulation (a process to prevent excessive bleeding) is done on the wall of the cyst that directly rests on the surface of the kidney. This is done to arrest any fluid build-up from the cyst's lining. The also prevents the formation of any secondary cysts.

• The remaining portion of the cyst is cut using scissors.

• A surgical drain is placed in this site before closing up.

• A small portion of the cyst is sent to the histopathological examination. The tissue is studied under the microscope for morphology and to check for other abnormalities.

What Are the Potential Complications of This Procedure?

Most cases of this condition are safe. However, some complications cannot be ruled out. The safety and precautions followed for this procedure are the same as the other surgical procedures. The potential risks and complications of this procedure include:

• Bleeding: The risk of bleeding through this procedure is very minimal as the procedure is significantly less invasive. Blood transfusions are very rarely indicated unless for other complications. However, the patient's family or friends can donate blood in advance to prevent any last-minute panic.

• Infections: In spite of being minimally invasive, there are chances of developing infection at the site of the surgery. Therefore as a precautious measure, an intravenous antibiotic is administered prior to the surgery. This prevents the risk of infection after surgery. However, if any discomfort arises at the site, it is advisable to consult one’s physician at the earliest.

• Injury: Though very rare, this surgery could cause injury to surrounding organs or tissue. There could be an injury to the gall bladder, urinary tract, or any gastric organs. There are chances of the formation of scar tissue after the surgery. Scar tissue is fibrous tissue that is left after the surgery. Any injury to the nerves can also occur.

• Urine Retention or Leakage: Urinary retention or leakage can occur as a result of the surgery. In case of urinary leakage, if the urine leakage is more, one may need the placement of drains until the condition is addressed.

• Hernia: Hernia is the formation of a sac in the abdominal cavity. Hernia can occur as a result of any surgical procedure. But since laparoscopy is minimally invasive, hernia could be a very rare side effect of this procedure.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic kidney cyst ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used in the surgical treatment of a kidney cyst. Kidney cysts are fluid-filled cavities in the organ. This procedure is performed to remove cysts of the kidney that could have become symptomatic. Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, access is obtained through keyhole access. In this type of procedure, the recovery of the patient is quick, and the prognosis is better.