What Causes Hole In The Kidney?

My only living relative (75 yr. old aunt) just called me from another state to tell me about an Oncology appointment today. The doctor told her she had a 'hole in her kidney' and a cyst to be removed from her bladder. He ordered a couple of tests and said he would get results but would need to schedule surgery to remove cyst and to 'see about the hole in her kidney'. She is a shy, unassuming lady and has asked me 'What do you think having a hole in my kidney could mean?' I plan on making a trip to see her when surgery is scheduled, but I just wondered if I should go immediately. Help?