✦ Kidney Cyst Treatment

Percutaneous Aspiration + Sclerotherapy

Q: Is sclerotherapy as effective as laparoscopic decortication?

No — sclerotherapy achieves 70–80% success vs >90% for laparoscopic decortication; it is preferred for high-risk patients where surgery carries greater risk.

Q: Is the sclerosant agent painful?

Ethanol instillation causes temporary burning discomfort; adequate analgesia and reassurance are provided during the procedure. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Q: What happens if the cyst comes back after sclerotherapy?

Recurrent cysts can be managed with repeat sclerotherapy or referred for laparoscopic decortication depending on patient fitness and cyst characteristics.

Image-Guided Cyst Aspiration with Sclerosant Injection

30–60 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

70–80% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Days RECOVERY

What is Percutaneous Aspiration + Sclerotherapy?

Percutaneous Aspiration with Sclerotherapy aspirates the cyst fluid under ultrasound or CT guidance using a needle, then injects a sclerosant agent (usually 95% ethanol, povidone iodine, or minocycline) into the cyst cavity to destroy the secreting epithelial lining and prevent re-accumulation. It is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for symptomatic simple renal cysts, particularly suitable for elderly patients or those unfit for laparoscopic surgery. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of Day Care. Success rates reach 70–80% in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.

Elderly or high-risk patients with symptomatic simple renal cysts not suitable for laparoscopic surgery, or as a first-line minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic Bosniak I–II cysts. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Imaging & Planning

Cyst identified with ultrasound or CT; needle access path planned avoiding major vessels.

Local Anaesthesia & Needle Placement

Skin anaesthetised; fine needle advanced into the cyst under real-time image guidance.

Complete Aspiration

Cyst fluid completely aspirated; volume and appearance documented for analysis.

Contrast Confirmation

Contrast injected to confirm no communication with the collecting system.

Sclerosant Instillation

Sclerosant (ethanol or povidone iodine) instilled and left for 20 minutes then fully withdrawn.

Outcomes

30–60 minDURATION

Day CareHOSPITAL STAY

70–80%SUCCESS RATE

1–2 DaysFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Minimally invasive — needle-only procedure under local anaesthesia.
→Suitable for elderly and high-risk patients unable to undergo laparoscopy.
→Day-case procedure with same-day discharge.
→No skin incision — rapid return to normal activities.
→Can be repeated if initial sclerotherapy is partially successful.
→Immediate symptom relief from aspiration even before sclerosant takes full effect.

"Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a gentle, effective option for elderly patients with symptomatic renal cysts. In a single image-guided session, we can provide lasting relief without the recovery of surgery."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Is sclerotherapy as effective as laparoscopic decortication?+

Is the sclerosant agent painful?+

What happens if the cyst comes back after sclerotherapy?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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