THE SURGICAL ASPECTS OF CYSTIC DISEASE OF THE KIDNEY

Abstract

Our purpose in this paper is to discuss the various forms of cystic disease of the kidney, with particular emphasis on their surgical aspects, and to review 74 cases of renal cystic disease admitted to the Department of Urology (James Buchanan Brady Foundation) of the New York Hospital during the period January 1924 to April 1944. Of these, 19 were cases of simple renal cysts, 53 polycystic disease and 2 echinococcus cysts. SIMPLE RENAL CYSTS Etiology.— The exact cause of these lesions is unknown, but the bulk of evidence points to their being acquired and not congenital. The etiologic theories are numerous. Albarran thought they were a form of localized polycystic disease. Another and widely held belief is that they form as a result of the failure of the uriniferous tubules to unite with the collecting ducts. Hepler1believes that they are the result of localized tubular blockage and