Do congenital kidney cysts require surgery?

I am 54 years old. During a routine health check-up, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a congenital kidney cyst. Currently, three tiny cysts have formed, with calcification on the cyst walls, but they do not retain fluid. Doctor, could you please advise on treatment options, including medication or surgery, and what examinations I should undergo? Thank you.

(Mr. Vu Dinh Hai, residing in Trang Bom district)

The doctor replied:

Hello!

Congenital polycystic kidney disease is not a life-threatening condition. Currently, treatment is primarily supportive; medications to reduce cyst progression have not been proven effective, and surgical intervention is only considered in cases of cyst hemorrhage or cyst infection, which are rare (approximately 1-5%).

Your condition requires regular monitoring every six months to assess the progression of the renal cysts and to detect any abnormal structures within them in a timely manner. Additionally, it's important to note that congenital polycystic kidney disease, inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, accounts for approximately 5% of patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease.

Therefore, he needs to monitor his kidney function and proteinuria every year, and possibly more frequently if abnormalities are detected, in order to detect and treat complications of kidney failure promptly.

Hello sir!

Dr. Dang Hoang Hai, Specialist Level 1

Department of Hemodialysis and Artificial Kidney, Dong Nai General Hospital

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202503/nang-than-bam-sinh-co-can-mo-khong-2897b84/