ULTRASOUND GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS SCLEROTHERAPY OF SIMPLE RENAL CYSTS: PRIMARY SUCCESS AND PROCEDURE SAFETY

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate primary (technical) success and procedure safety in ultrasound (US)-guided percu­taneous sclerotherapy of simple renal cysts, using 96% ethanol. Patients: 17 patients with symptomatic simple renal cysts referred by nephrologists or urologists. Methods: US-guided percutaneous puncture of the cyst with an 18G (gauge) needle and a »pigtail« 5F (French) catheter, drainage and inspection of the cyst content, and injection of ethanol. Results: Puncture was rejected in two referred patients because of Bosniak II cyst and renal hilum proximity. 15 patients underwent puncture and drainage of the cyst content. In 4 patients ethanol was not injected because: thick or bloody cyst, proximity of renal hilum and severe pain during injection of ethanol. 11 patients underwent sclerotherapy of the cyst. The average size of sclerosed cyst was 8 cm (range 6–12 cm). There were no significant complications. Conclusion: US-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy of simple renal cysts is easy to perform and safe procedure, with the previous good selection of cysts that are suitable for the sclerotherapy.