In these patients, cysts are removed either in an open surgical procedure or through the back using a 1-2 centimeter incision. Unfortunately, both procedures have drawbacks. In a laparoscopic decortication, a small incision is made at the umbilicus through which a small TV camera is inserted to view the inside of the body. Two to three additional incisions are made through which instruments used to perform the surgery are inserted. Once the instruments are in place, the cyst is cut from the kidney and drained, then removed.
Laparoscopic decortication has many advantages over traditional open surgery.
Experience with the operation has been excellent. The average length of hospitalization is only 2-3 days. Post-operative pain is greatly reduced, and return to normal activity occurs much quicker. Cyst removal in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is more complicated. These patients suffer from multiple cysts, often numbering in the hundreds.