Kidneys filter blood and remove waste products from the body. Like other organs, the kidneys often develop structural abnormalities, including simple or complex cysts. A simple cyst usually contains a single fluid sac within the kidneys, while a complex cysts typically involves many cysts, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of kidney cysts include frequent urinary tract infections, abdominal pain and blood in the urine. Physicians use imaging tests to investigate the abnormality as a part of a physical examination to determine treatment.
Needle Puncture
One option for removing a simple or complex cyst consist of puncturing the cyst and inserting alcohol inside the cyst to shrink it, according to MayoClinic.com. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The physician inserts a needle through the skin until it punctures the cyst site on the kidney. Fluid is withdrawn from the cyst and re-filled with alcohol to decrease the chances of infection. This procedure is performed in outpatient centers.
Laparoscopic Cyst Removal
If the position of the cyst makes it difficult to remove, the physician may recommend a laparoscopic procedure. While using a video monitor to guide progress, the physician makes several incisions through the skin with tools that are placed near the cyst, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. The tools are used to drain fluid from the cyst. Subsequently, the physician burns or cuts away the walls of the cyst. This procedure usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
Antibiotic Therapy
If the patient complains of fever, pain in the back, abdominal pain or blood in the urine, the doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat the infected cyst, explains MayoClinic.com. Antibiotic medications work by killing bacteria, which allows the body to heal and overcome the infection. As with most antibiotic medicines, the patient must complete the full treatment cycle to overcome the infection.
Periodic Checkups
Treatment is usually not necessary if imaging tests depict a simple cyst and the patient exhibits no symptoms. Instead of treatment, the doctor will advise a computed tomography scan or ultrasound to periodically examine if the kidney cyst enlarges or develops into a complex cyst, according to the Kidney Cancer Institute. Treatment may be suggested at a later date if the kidney enlarges or if symptoms occur.
