Percutaneous Needle-Puncture of Renal Cysts: New Method in Therapeutic Management

Abstract

A new procedure in therapeutic management of simple renal cysts is described. Following percutaneous needle puncture, 3 to 5 ml of Pantopaque are injected into the cyst. This oily contrast medium is not resorbed but remains in the cyst. Originally this method was used as a diagnostic procedure. In addition, however, Pantopaque seems to have a therapeutic effect. In the 18 patients in the present series all cysts have disappeared or decreased in size. In only one case has it been necessary to repuncture. Although the number presented is small and the length of follow-up in some cases is rather short, the good therapeutic results obtained justify cyst puncture and most patients with simple renal cysts can be spared the greater hazards of surgical intervention.