A case of opioid introduction for pain management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and liver cysts

Abstract

Many patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) have some sort of pain, and a stepwise approach has been proposed as a management method for it. We managed the pain of an ADPKD patient who had combined multiple hepatic cysts. Since tramadol was effective for the pain, which was also relieved by an epidural block using a low concentration of a local anesthetic, we diagnosed that the pain was mainly derived from internal organs. We prescribed opioids and the pain was relieved. We need to pay attention to the possibility of an increase in renal cysts due to enhanced vasopressin action by opioids, but opioids may be effective for the visceral pain of ADPKD.