Minimally invasive management of dysontogenetic hepatic cysts.
BACKGROUND
Liver cysts occur with a prevalence of 4%-7% in the general population. Laparoscopic surgery is effective for solitary cysts and in selected patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD). We present our experience in the laparoscopic management of dysontogenetic cysts.


METHODS
Between 1994 and 2002, 36 patients were referred to our centre for the management of dysontogenetic cystic liver disease. Management was laparoscopic in 16 cases. Indications were solitary giant cysts (n=9) and PLD (n=7).


RESULTS
Laparoscopic procedures were completed in 15 patients. Mean operating time was 90 min. There were no deaths. In one case there was an intraoperative complication: bleeding from a superficial hepatic vein necessitated conversion to an open procedure. There were two postoperative complications: one patient with biliary leakage, which was managed conservatively, and one patient with a pneumothorax caused by the cava catheter installed for anaesthesia. Median follow-up was 36 months. There was no symptomatic recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy can be recommended as the procedure of choice for symptomatic solitary giant cysts and PLD Gigot type I.
Kornprat
Peter
P
Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria. peter.kornprat@meduni-graz.at
Cerwenka
Herwig
H
Bacher
Heinz
H
El-Shabrawi
Azab
A
Tillich
Manfred
M
Langner
Cord
C
Mischinger
Hans Joerg
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome