Sclerosant Therapy as First-Line Treatment for Solitary Liver Cysts

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to determine the outcome from percutaneous sclerosing treatment of solitary non-parasitic hepatic cysts. Methods: The results of treatment of patients with symptomatic solitary non-parasitic hepatic cysts treated between 1995 and 2000 were reviewed. Results: There were 23 women and one man with a median (range) age of 59 (34–79) years. The median (range) diameter of the cysts was 10 (5–24) cm. Five patients were treated by laparoscopic fenestration ab initio as they also required a cholecystectomy because of gallstones. The remaining 19 patients underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy. In one just aspiration was successful without further treatment. In six contrast leaked from the cyst and five of these had laparoscopic fenestration. Twelve patients had sclerosant treatment with good results at a median (range) follow-up of 35 (6–60) months in 10 patients. Good results were also obtained in 10 of the 12 patients who had fenestration.