What Is Surgical Fenestration in Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Surgical fenestration in polycystic kidney disease aims to drain potentially damaging cysts that invade the kidney or other areas of the body.

Significance

• Individuals diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease suffer from the growth of cysts (fluid-filled sacks) capable of damaging kidneys if they become too large or infected.

Identification

• Surgical fenestration in polycystic kidney disease describes the medical procedure necessary to cut open cysts for drainage.

Function

• Back or side pain, headaches, or an increase in abdominal size may indicate polycystic kidney disease and the potential need for surgery. “When kidney cysts are causing severe pain or obstructing other organs or blood vessels, you may need to undergo surgery to drain the cysts,” says the Mayo Clinic.

Effects

• No cure for polycystic kidney disease exists, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Surgical fenestration prevents cysts from growing larger and further damaging the kidneys.

Warning

• PKD can invade other areas including the liver, brain, intestines, pancreas, ovaries or spleen. Surgical fenestration of the liver is commonly utilized for drainage of cysts in that organ.