Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Kidney cysts
As PKD progresses, the size and number of the kidney cysts may increase and begin to affect how your kidneys function.
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) icon plus
The most common symptom is pain in the back or sides, or between the ribs and hips. The pain may be mild or severe, temporary or persistent. People with PKD may also experience complications such as: - high blood pressure (hypertension) - persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) - blood in the urine (haematuria) - cysts on the liver (polycystic liver disease) or pancreas - abnormal heart valves - kidney stones - aneurysms (bulges in the walls of blood vessels) in the brain, which can bleed and cause a stroke - diverticulosis (small pouches that bulge outward through the colon) - loss of kidney function, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) -
Diagnosis icon plus
As PKD is inherited, your consultant may ask about your family's medical history, in addition to your symptoms. Tests recommended to aid diagnosis may include: - A physical examination to check for enlarged kidneys and hypertension. - A blood test to measure your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ‒ how many millilitres of waste your kidneys can filter in a minute. - Urine tests to check for blood or protein in your urine. - An ultrasound where findings are based on age-dependent criteria. For example, the presence of at least three cysts in each kidney by age 30 in someone with a family history of the disease can confirm a PKD diagnosis. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
There is no cure for PKD but treatment can ease symptoms, delay dialysis and prolong life. Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and help to determine the best approach for you. These may include: - Tolvaptan, which slows the progression of cyst development and helps protect renal function. In most cases this is likely to significantly delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. - Paracetamol, codeine or tramadol for pain relief. - Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy to remove kidney stones. - Dialysis as an option for kidney failure. A machine is used to replicate some functions of your kidney.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The HPB Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344