title: Laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic non-parasitic cysts of the liver.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of laparoscopic technique for management of symptomatic liver cysts is documented to be a feasible and safe procedure with proved symptomatic relief. In the present study, we reviewed the results of this approach in the management of symptomatic liver cysts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of all patients with symptomatic liver cysts that were treated by laparoscopic fenestration in our department over a 3-year period from 1999 to 2001.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten patients were treated using a laparoscopic approach. All patients achieved short-term alleviation of symptoms and an uneventful postoperative course. The mean hospital stay was 3 days. Long-term follow-up (24 months) was available for all the patients. In all the patients, there was no clinical and radiographical recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study confirms that relief of symptoms can be achieved with the laparoscopic approach for non-parasitic liver cysts. Omental packing is not necessary to prevent recurrence of simple hepatic cysts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, General Surgery III Operative Unit, Catholic School of Medicine University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy. imcivello@rm.unicatt.it
authors.forename: Ignazio Massimo
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Civello
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Matera
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maria
authors.forename: Casimiro
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nigro
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brandara
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brisinda
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome