Perioperative Challenges and Surgical Treatment of Large Simple, and Infectious Liver Cyst - A 12-Year Experience

BACKGROUND: Cystic lesions of the liver consist of a heterogeneous group of disorders that can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. METHODS: A retrospective review of all medical records of adult patients diagnosed with large (>7 cm) cystic lesions of the liver between January 2000 and December 2011, at Kurume University Hospital. Cases with polycystic disease were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty three patients were identified. The mean size was 13.9 cm (range, 7-22cm). The majority of simple cysts were found in women (females: males, 2: 21). In 19 patients, the cyst was removed surgically by wide deroofing (laparoscopically in 16 cases, combined with ethanol sclerotherapy in 13 cases). Infection of the liver cyst occurred in one patient, who later underwent central bi-segmentectomy. CONCLUSION: Simple large cysts of the liver can be successfully treated by laparoscopic deroofing and alcohol sclerotherapy. Large hepatic cyst considered to need drainage should be removed surgically to avoid possible infection.