Management of urinary calculous disease in patients with renal cysts: review of 12 years of experience in 18 patients.

During the last 12 years 18 patients with urinary calculi were found to have associated cystic renal disease. We herein describe the difficulties in diagnosing and in treating this group, which included patients with simple single renal cysts, multiple cysts of 1 or both kidneys and polycystic renal disease. Renal calculi may be caused by or perpetuated by renal cystic disease. After spontaneous passage or surgical removal renal calculi may recur as long as renal cysts continue to cause urinary stasis owing to obstruction and distortion of the renal calices. Superimposed renal infection may cause further difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. The timely removal of calculi and the relief of obstruction caused by the cysts and stones are emphasized. We further recommend the judicious use of antibiotics, correction of electrolyte disturbances and prolonged followup in an attempt to prevent future calculous disease.