Kidney cyst medication and various other ways to treat it

Kidney cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs inside the kidney organs. These sacs are generally harmless and rarely show symptoms. However, a kidney cyst that develops can cause complications. If this happens, people with kidney cysts need medication and special treatment.

So, what needs to be done so that people with kidney cysts can recover?

Medicines and treatments for kidney cysts

In most cases, simple kidney cysts do not require medication or special treatment. Treatment will be carried out if the cyst puts too much pressure on other organs. This can affect the function and work of the kidneys, so the cyst needs to be shrunk and removed.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, there are two ways that are most often done to treat simple kidney cysts.

1. Aspiration and sclerotherapy

One of the drugs and treatments to treat kidney cysts is aspiration accompanied by sclerotherapy. This procedure aims to reduce the size of the cyst.

Initially, the doctor inserts a long, thin needle into the patient's skin. The needle will then penetrate the wall of the cyst. This is done to remove the fluid in the sacs in your kidneys.

If the fluid has drained and the cyst has shrunk, the doctor will fill the cyst with an alcohol solution. Giving an alcohol solution is done to prevent the cyst from recurring and developing.

This one treatment for kidney disease usually does not require you to be hospitalized. It's just that, you will be given an anesthetic during the procedure. If successful, you can go home the same day.

2. Surgical removal of kidney cysts

If the kidney cyst is very large and causes symptoms such as stomach upset to high blood pressure, you may need surgery. In general, doctors will recommend three surgical options to remove kidney cysts that suit your condition, namely:

a. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

RIRS is a type of medicine and is treated when the cyst is very large so that it can be reached from the drying section of the kidney basin. The doctor will usually insert a small telescope that passes through a natural opening, such as the anus or urethra, into the ureters and up to the kidneys.

After that, the surgical team will cut the fluid-filled sac with a laser. If successful, the cyst will be opened into the draining system. You may be given a small tube (stent) placed in the ureter for two weeks.

The advantage of this outpatient kidney cyst treatment is its faster recovery process. In fact, the pain after surgery doesn't last too long.

b. Percutaneous Kidney Surgery

Apart from RIRS, other options for drugs and surgery to treat kidney cysts are percutaneous kidney surgery . This operation is performed to remove a large cyst behind the kidney.

Usually, the doctor will perform endoscopic surgery inside the kidney with the help of a small tube. These ducts are holes made through small incisions in the skin and tissue directly into the kidneys. With this channel, the doctor will open and remove most of the lining of the wall.

Unlike the RIRS, the operation that is usually performed to remove kidney stones requires hospitalization, at least one night in the hospital.

c. Laparoscopy

For patients with large, large numbers of cysts on their kidneys, laparoscopy may be the best option. Laparoscopy is a treatment used to remove a large number of kidney cysts. In general, this procedure is often undertaken by adult polycystic kidney patients.

When the surgery starts, the doctor will make three small incisions made in the abdomen. This is so that small surgical instruments can enter the stomach and kidneys. Normally, laparoscopy is an outpatient procedure.

If there are multiple cysts that need to be removed from both kidneys at the same time, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Home treatment of kidney cysts

In addition to the drug options and treatment for kidney cysts above, there are several things you can do to speed up the recovery process. In addition, some of the methods below also help prevent the recurrence of kidney cysts.

1. Drink lots of water

Meeting the needs of body fluids is important, especially for those of you who have experienced kidney cysts. You can reduce the risk of this disease by drinking lots of water.

If you are a patient with kidney failure, ask your doctor about the amount of fluid that needs to be met. The reason is, the fluid needs of kidney disease patients will be different from those who have healthy kidneys.

2. Periodic inspection

Even though you can be declared cured of a kidney cyst, you should still carry out routine checks. Periodic kidney function tests and checks are carried out so that doctors can detect kidney cysts more quickly.

Thus, the condition of the cysts in your kidneys can be monitored and may not require special medication and treatment.

3. Eat foods with balanced nutrition

A healthy diet is a good place to start to reduce the risk of kidney cysts recurring. For example, a diet low in fat and salt can be done to reduce the workload of the kidneys.

There are several foods that you can choose because they are good for the kidneys, such as:

• Apples because they help lower cholesterol and glucose levels thanks to their soluble fiber.
• Antioxidant-rich blueberries help protect the body from heart disease.
• Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids help control blood clotting.

Don't forget to exercise regularly while undergoing the recovery process after surgical removal of the cyst. That way, you can maintain optimal kidney function, even if you have had a cyst.

If you experience symptoms related to kidney cysts, contact your doctor immediately for the right solution.