We read with interest the article entitled “Natural history of multicystic kidney conservatively managed: a prospective study” by Rabelo et al. [1] in this journal and would like to describe our current approach for the management of multicystic dysplastic kidneys (MCDK) with laparoscopic nephrectomy. Rabelo et al. [1] postulated that the long-term conservative management of children with unilateral MCDK is a safe option because its natural history is benign with a small number of complications and a low rate of contralateral kidney abnormalities. According to their calculation, it takes nearly 10 years (122 months) for the MCDK to involute completely. Recently, however, management has been based on cost-effectiveness [2]. In addition, it should be noted that long-term follow-up of the seemingly asymptomatic child does not only result in significant clinic non-attendance but also induces long-term parental anxiety [3]. Recent advances in laparoscopic nephrectomy have enabled us to apply this procedure to infants [4]. The benefit of this less invasive approach is based on improved cosmetic results and shorter convalescence compared with open surgery. We have recently performed laparoscopic nephrectomy in ten infants with MCDK. This option was chosen by the parents’ families after being informed of the risks of laparoscopic nephrectomy and the potential morbidity associated with conservative management. As a result, they were fully satisfied after the nephrectomy. Furthermore, based on our calculation of the cumulative cost of management of children with unilateral MCDK, laparoscopic nephrectomy is less expensive than conservative follow-up if it takes more than 3 years for natural involution (Table 1, [5]). The cost for conservative management is based on the charge of the outpatient clinic visit where the physical examination, measurements of blood pressure, and ultrasound examination were performed. The frequency of the clinic attendance is monthly during the first 3 months, trimonthly between 3 months and 12 months of age, at 6 months’ intervals between 1 and 2 years of age, and yearly thereafter [5]. Thus, we currently favor a less invasive laparoscopic nephrectomy for unilateral MCDK over long-term conservative management because of its cost-effectiveness and avoidance of complications. However, the final decision should be made by the family after being fully informed. K. Kaneko Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan
Read full abstract