Laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts and polycystic liver disease.
BACKGROUND
The authors present their experience in the laparoscopic management of hepatic cysts and polycystic liver disease (PLD).


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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Fiamingo
P
P
Department of Surgery and Gastroenterological Sciences, 1st Surgical Unit, University Hospital, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35100 Padvo, Italy. peterfly@hotmail.com
Tedeschi
U
U
Veroux
M
M
Cillo
U
U
Brolese
A
A
Da Rold
A
A
Madia
C
C
Zanus
G
G
D'Amico
D F
DF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome