Does laparoscopic fenestration provide long-term alleviation for symptomatic cystic disease of the liver?

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The use of laparoscopic technique for management of symptomatic liver cysts is documented to be a feasible and safe procedure with good short-term symptomatic relief. However, it cannot be recommended as the standard of care as long-term results are scarce. The present study was initiated to review the long-term results of this approach in the management of symptomatic liver cysts.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of all patients with symptomatic liver cysts that were treated by laparoscopic fenestration in our department over an 8-year period from 1993 to 2001. The clinical and radiographical data were analysed at follow-up to assess the -outcome.

RESULTS:

Eleven patients were treated using a laparoscopic approach; 10 patients with solitary cysts and one with adult polycystic liver disease. All patients achieved short-term alleviation of symptoms and an uneventful postoperative course. The mean hospital stay was 3 days. Long-term follow up was available for 9 patients with a mean of 44 months. Histologically, one of the patients was diagnosed with a biliary cystadenoma and she had a symptomatic recurrence and a liver resection at 20 months. In the other seven patients, there was no clinical recurrence but a radiographical recurrence of 28.5%. The patient with adult polycystic liver disease had two symptomatic recurrences: at 26 months where he underwent a repeat laparoscopic fenestration and at 43 months where he underwent an open fenestration.

CONCLUSION:

The present study confirms that with adequate patients election, long-term alleviation of symptoms can be achieved with the laparoscopic approach for solitary simple liver cysts but not for polycystic liver disease or cystic tumours of the liver.

• Authors: Y M Tan, London Lucien Ooi, K C Soo, P O P Mack
• Journal: ANZ journal of surgery (ANZ J Surg) Vol. 72 Issue 10 Pg. 743-5 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 1445-1433 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 12534388 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bile Duct Neoplasms (surgery)
• Cystadenoma (surgery)
• Cysts (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Laparoscopy (methods)
• Liver Diseases (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
• Retrospective Studies
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome