To report our experience and review published reports on the laparoscopic management of peripelvic renal cysts. Peripelvic renal cysts represent a unique subset of renal cysts, as they are rare, commonly symptomatic, and more difficult to treat than simple peripheral renal cysts. Minimally invasive methods for the treatment of peripelvic renal cysts, including laparoscopic decortication, have recently become more common.

Four patients who presented with symptomatic peripelvic cysts underwent laparoscopic decortication at our institution. All four were men aged 47 to 65 years. One patient had undergone an unsuccessful prior cyst aspiration. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography and retrograde pyelography. The mean number of peripelvic cysts per patient was 3.0, and the mean cyst size was 7.1 cm.

The mean operative time was 259 minutes (range 240 to 293), and the mean estimated blood loss was 30 mL (range 10 to 50). No evidence of cystic renal cell carcinoma was found on aspiration cytology or cyst wall pathologic examination. The mean hospital stay was 1.3 days. No inadvertent collecting system injuries and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. All 4 patients achieved symptomatic relief and were determined to have radiologic success as determined by the 6-month postoperative computed tomography findings.

Laparoscopic ablation of peripelvic renal cysts is more difficult than that of simple peripheral renal cysts and demands a heightened awareness of potential complications and, therefore, more advanced surgical skills. In addition to our experience, a thorough review of published reports found this procedure to be safe and effective with appropriate patient selection.