[Laparoscopic treatment of liver cysts].
OBJECTIVE
The authors present their experience with the laparoscopic management of non-parasitic liver cysts.


METHODS
During the period from May 2003 to August 2006, thirteen patients with non-parasitic liver cysts underwent laparoscopic fenestration. Eleven patients were female (84.6%) and two (15.4%) were male. The average age at diagnosis was 48.3 years (range 35-72). The majority of patients presented with pain, discomfort, dyspepsia, or early satiety at diagnosis. Computed tomography scans were performed in all cases. The cysts were solitary in eleven patients (84.6%) and polycystic liver disease in two patients (15.4%). The average size of the solitary cysts was 11.3 cm (range 9.5-17 cm), and the polycystic liver disease was 10.6 cm (range 9.2-12.1 cm). Operation was indicated due to symptoms in all patients. The technique performed was laparoscopic cyst fenestration.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic fenestration was completed in all patients. Mean operative time was 85 minutes (range 53-110). Intraoperative complications were not detected and there was no death. Postoperative complications were observed in two patients (15.4%). Bile leakage was present in one patient, and ascites in another patient. Both cases were treated conservatively. The average hospital stay was 3.5 days (range 2-9 days). Mean follow-up was 36 months. There was one asymptomatic recurrence (7.6%) in a patient with polycystic liver disease after two years of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic fenestration is the preferred method of treatment for non-parasitic liver cyst. This operation causes low morbidity and the recurrence is uncommon. Adequate selection of patients and the laparoscopic technique are important for the treatment.
Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luis, MA, BR. o.torres@uol.com.br
Orlando Jorge Martins
OJ
Torres
Aline Maria Santos
AM
Farias
Maria Helena Almeida
MH
Costa
Mauricio Miranda
MM
Matias
Poliana Cristina Oliveira
PC
Moreira
Glaucia Mesquita
GM
Cordeiro
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography