The efficacy of laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy in the treatment of simple hepatic cysts located in posterior segments: a refined surgical approach

Background Hepatic cysts in located posterior segments close to the diaphragm (IVa, VII, and VIII) reportedly have a high recurrence rate. Presently, laparoscopic omentoplasty is the accepted technique; developed from laparoscopic deroofing, which places a viable pedicle flap of omentum to prevent cyst closure. However, potential adhesions have made laparoscopic omentoplasty less favorable. In this paper, we report on an improved surgical technique involving lauromacrogol sclerosis directly under laparoscopic fenestration. We also review and evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of this refined surgical approach. Methods Data from 49 patients admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from October 2015 to June 2020 with simple hepatic cysts located in the IVa, VII, and VIII segments were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were symptomatic before admission. They were separated into two groups based on the surgical approach they had received; refined laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy or laparoscopic omentoplasty, and were compared and evaluated in terms of the postoperative cyst volume and quality of life. Results No significant differences in sex, age, preoperative cyst volume, surgery duration, hospital stay, and bleeding volume were reported. There were no deaths or major complications in both groups. The postoperative cyst volume was significantly reduced in the laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy group (2.48 cm) compared to the laparoscopic omentoplasty group (3.90 cm). This study evaluated both the immediate and medium-term results with a 3-12 months follow-up period for all patients. The cyst volume change in the laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy group was found to be significantly greater than that of the laparoscopic omentoplasty group. The feedback regarding quality of life did not vary significantly between the two groups, except for general health and health change, where patients who received laparoscopic sclerotherapy responded with higher scores. Conclusions Our results indicate that laparoscopic lauromacrogol sclerotherapy surgery was safe and effective in patients with IVa, VII and VIII segment simple hepatic cysts.