Introduction
A renal cyst is a fluid-filled sac that grows in the kidney. Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter waste products from the bloodstream to produce urine. One kidney may have a single cyst, or both kidneys may have multiple cysts. However, some cysts are asymptomatic and may not be discovered until they rupture.
What Are Renal Cysts?
Renal cysts are usually small round sacs filled with watery fluid. Most patients are unaware of the fact that they have renal cysts until the diagnosis. However, treatment may be needed if the cyst ruptures, bleeds, or grows in size and presses on other organs. There are two types of cysts:
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Simple Cyst - A simple cyst is a single cyst that forms in the kidney. These cysts have thin walls and contain a water-like liquid. Simple cysts do not damage the kidneys or impair function.
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Polycystic Kidney Disease - PKD is a genetic disease in which many cysts form in the kidneys. These cysts can damage the kidneys.
What Is a Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst?
There are two types of rupture of renal cysts:
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Spontaneous Rupture: It occurs on its own due to an increase in the cyst's dimensions, increased pressure inside the fluid-filled cyst, or weakening of the cyst's walls.
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Traumatic Rupture: The cyst ruptures due to external force or blunt force trauma, causing a traumatic cyst rupture.
What Are the Causes of Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst?
The causes of traumatic rupture of a renal cyst are:
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The primary reason is a sharp or blunt trauma near the area of the cyst.
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Strenuous weight lifting or improper exercise technique.
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Cysts can also burst after sexual intercourse.
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Accidental fall with trauma to the lower abdomen.
What Are the Symptoms of Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst?
The common symptoms of renal cyst traumatic rupture are:
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Flank pain (pain on the side, lower abdomen, or back).
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Hematuria (presence of blood in the urine).
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Flank swelling (swelling on the side).
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Ecchymosis (change in skin color due to bleeding under the skin or under the tissue or bruising).
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Acute anemia (low hemoglobin levels in the blood).
What Are the Possible Complications of Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst?
The possible complications of cyst rupture are:
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The spread of infection in the body may lead to septic shock.
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Blockage in the urinary tract.
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If the cyst is bleeding, it can lead to profuse bleeding.
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A ruptured cyst can cause peritonitis. This can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
When to Get Help for Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst?
Most renal cysts are harmless. However, it is important to know the serious symptoms of a ruptured renal cyst in case immediate medical attention is required:
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Sudden severe abdominal pain.
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Pain with fever and vomiting.
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Feeling cold with damp skin.
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Fast breathing.
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Drowsiness or weakness.
How Is Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst Diagnosed?
The following methods are used for the diagnosis of a traumatic rupture of a renal cyst:
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To rule out fractures and identify traumatic cyst rupture injury, X-rays and ultrasound is the initial imaging studies taken of patients complaining of left flank pain accompanied or preceded by minor trauma.
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A computed tomography scan (CT scan) is usually performed in patients with drug-resistant pain or an uncertain ultrasound diagnosis.
How Is Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst Treated?
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Treatment of ruptured renal cysts is usually supplemented with antibiotic coverage. Surgical procedures are usually reserved for patients with significant symptoms, uncontrolled infection, or bleeding.
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Ruptured renal cysts may require treatment in the hospital. The patient is given intravenous fluids (IV) and painkillers. In cases of massive internal bleeding, a blood transfusion may be required.
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Surgical intervention to treat the ruptured renal cyst may be undertaken if the condition is serious. After the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision to control bleeding and remove blood clots and fluid. The surgeon then removes the cyst. Following the surgery, patients will need significant time to recover.
What Are the Risks Associated With Ruptured Renal Cysts?
The removal of dangerous cysts is important, but not without risks. The following risks are associated with surgery:
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Bleeding.
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Infection.
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Wounds that do not heal.
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Blood clots.
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Damage to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, or other nearby tissues.
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A larger-than-expected incision is required.
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Scar tissue from incisions.
How to Prevent Traumatic Rupture of Renal Cyst?
The following therapeutic options are used for the treatment of a renal cyst:
Sclerotherapy:
Sclerotherapy is done to drain the cyst. Before performing the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to prevent pain. Then, using ultrasound, the doctor inserts a fine needle through the skin into the cyst and drains all fluid from the cyst. The doctor fills the cyst with an alcoholic solution afterward to prevent it from growing back. The patient is sent home on the same day of this procedure.
Surgical Procedure:
Large cysts that affect kidney function may require surgical removal. The patient will be put under general anesthesia during the surgery. Surgeons often remove cysts laparoscopically through multiple small incisions. In other words, surgery is performed using a camera and small instruments. First, the surgeon drains the cyst, then cuts or burns the residual tissue.
Increasing the Intake of Water:
Drinking plenty of water and keeping sodium intake below 2,300 mg per day (and below 1,500 mg for those over 51 years of age) can reduce the risk of developing a renal cyst.
Conclusion
A ruptured renal cyst causes severe back or side pain. If the cyst ruptures, blood may be present in the urine. It can further lead to infection in the body and might prove to be life-threatening. In addition, renal cysts that block normal urine flow can cause kidney swelling. Traumatic rupture of renal cyst is usually due to strenuous exercise and may lead to blunt trauma to the area where the cyst is present. These symptoms should be checked and reported immediately. Timely and effective treatment may improve the outcome of the condition.
