Laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts and polycystic liver disease.

Authors :: Fiamingo P
Tedeschi U
Veroux M
Cillo U
Brolese A
Da Rold A
Madia C
Zanus G
D'Amico DF
Source :: Surgical endoscopy [Surg Endosc] 2003 Apr; Vol. 17 (4), pp. 623-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2003 Feb 10.
Publication Year :: 2003
Abstract: Background: The authors present their experience in the laparoscopic management of hepatic cysts and polycystic liver disease (PLD).<br />Methods: Between January 1996 and January 2002, 16 patients underwent laparoscopic liver surgery. Indications were solitary giant cysts (n = 10) and PLD (n = 6). Data were collected retrospectively.<br />Results: Laparoscopic fenestration was completed in 15 patients. Median operative time was 80 min. There was no deaths. Complications occurred in four patients: one patient with a solitary liver cyst experienced diarrhea, while a pleural effusion, a bleeding from the trocar-insertion site, and ascites occurred in three patients with PLD. Median follow-up was 34 months. There was one asymptomatic recurrence (11%) in one patient with a solitary cyst. Two patients with PLD had a symptomatic recurrence of a liver cyst.<br />Conclusion: Laparoscopic fenestration could be the preferred treatment of solitary liver cysts and PLD. Adequate selection of patients and type of cystic liver together with a meticulous surgical technique are recommended.