Laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic non-parasitic cysts of the liver.
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.
Civello
Ignazio Massimo
IM
Department of Surgery, General Surgery III Operative Unit, Catholic School of Medicine University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy. imcivello@rm.unicatt.it
Matera
Daniele
D
Maria
Giorgio
G
Nigro
Casimiro
C
Brandara
Francesco
F
Brisinda
Giuseppe
G
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