Management of Giant Hepatic Hemangiomas: A Case Report

Abstract

however is often unclear. Nevertheless, clinical symptomatology and effects are mostly due to size of these benign lesions. Arbitrary giant haemangiomas have been defined as larger than 5 centimeter (cm) in diameter. Larger and multiple lesions especially in the left liver lobe might cause (acute) symptoms due to compression of adjacent structures, thrombosis or infarction of the lesion. Hemorrhage has been described as well [2]. Rarely, large hemangiomas rupture, either spontaneously or following blunt abdominal trauma. Surgical treatment then is inevitable and may lead to complete relief of symptoms. The management of large hepatic hemangiomas in asymptomatic patients, however, is more controversial, as discussed by Duxbury & Garden [3] and Schnelldorfer et al. [4].