Surgical management of benign solid and cystic liver lesions

Abstract

The aim is to evaluate the indications for and results of surgery in patients with benign solid and cystic liver lesions. Resection is the best method of management of symptomatic benign solid liver lesions. For cystic lesions fenestration or resection have been the most-used treatments. Recently, laparoscopy has changed the way we treat these lesions. We reviewed the clinical files of all patients with benign solid and cystic liver lesions operated-upon between May 1995 and May 2003. There were 64 patients included in the present analysis (57 female; 7 male); median age was 48 years (range 21–74 years); 32 (50%) with benign solid liver lesions of which 22 were cavernous haemangiomas; 23 (35.9%) with non-parasitic liver disease (NPLD) and 9 (14%) had polycystic liver disease (PLD). There were 54 patients (84.3%) who had symptoms. Thirty-nine patients had liver resections performed (16 major and 23 minor), 15 patients were treated by open fenestration and 10 were treated by laparoscopic fenestration. There were 10 patients (15.6%) who presented complications; operative mortality was zero. The presence of symptoms is the most common indication for treatment. Laparoscopic fenestration has become the first-line treatment tor symptomatic NPLD and selected patients with benign solid liver lesions and PLD. However, in our centre, a considerable proportion of patients is still operated-upon via the open approach. A careful selection of cases is necessary to ensure good outcomes.