Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. A case report of a 20-kg polycystic kidney

Polycystic kidneys can reach huge dimensions as a result of their continuous growth and thus lead to a mechanical problem." We report on a 69-year-old patient with enormous polycystic kidneys having been treated for 4 years with standard hemodialysis. In the las; 12 months,the patient was suffering from a deterioration of his condition and progressively developed cachexy. The preoperative status of the multi-morbid patient jeopardized operability. It was decided to perform bilateral nephrectomy with a Chevron incision on the right side. The right kidney weighed 11 kg, the left 9 kg. There were no postoperative problems. The massive relief resulted in an impressive improvement of this risk-patient's fitness and quality of life. There is a dear indication of unilateral nephrectomy in case of a renal transplantation. The role and necessity of a bilateral nephrectomy in the event of polycystic kidneys is discussed based on the respective literature.