Solitary Liver Cysts Research Articles

Laparoscopic Excision of Solitary Dysontogenetic Liver Cysts in Young Children: Technical Aspects and Outcome.

Background: Solitary dysontogenetic liver cysts are rare in young children. However, large cysts can cause symptoms and require therapy. Cyst excision is the therapeutic method least associated with cyst recurrence. Only limited data are available on cyst excision performed laparoscopically in this age group. We present our experience using this surgical approach. Methods: Since 2005, 7 children including 5 newborns and infants with solitary dysontogenetic liver cysts have undergone minimally invasive excision of the cyst at our institution. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Median age of the patients at surgery was 8 months (3 days to 6 years); 5 of them were younger than 1 year. The cysts had varying locations in the segments IV-VIII, and median size was 5.4 cm (3.8-7.9). Complete excision was realized in all cases. Median duration of surgery was 120 minutes (60-171). All procedures could be completed laparoscopically. One intraoperative complication occurred (injury of a bile duct that could be sutured laparoscopically). Median follow-up was 29 months (14-173). Cyst recurrence was not observed in any of the cases. Conclusion: Laparoscopic excision of solitary dysontogenetic liver cysts is an effective treatment in young children. Resection is not limited to cysts in anterior and lateral liver segments.

Jaundice caused by protrusion of a hepatic cyst into common bile duct that was resolved by choledochoscopic needle-knife electrotomy: a case report

BackgroudHepatic cysts are the most frequent, innocuous, space-occupying lesions of the liver. The majority of solitary liver cysts are nonsymptomatic. When liver cysts reach a large size, there are some complications, including infection, rupture, spontaneous hemorrhage, obstructive jaundice, and neoplastic degeneration. Percutaneous aspiration, fenestration, hepatic resection, and liver transplantation have been proposed for symptomatic patients.Case presentationIn this case report, we describe a 41-year-old woman who presented with persistent liver dysfunction, indolent xanthochromia, and skin itching for 3 months. After a series of tests, she has a 5.0 × 5.3 cm hepatic cyst with many separations in the left medial liver lobe. The obstructive jaundice was caused by a large pedunculated lump protruding into the common bile duct from the left hepatic duct. She was treated with laparotomy and this lump was completely removed from the root by choledochoscopic needle-knife electrotomy with a good clinical response. Postoperative pathology of the lump suggested a hepatic cyst wall without heterocysts or tumor cells.ConclusionHepatic cyst wall protruding into the common bile duct can form capsular lump and result in indolent jaundice. Choledochoscopic high-frequency needle-knife electrotomy could be considered as a simple, safe and effective complementary approach for benign mass on the bile duct wall.

Congenital solitary intrahepatic biliary cyst in infant: A rare case report

Abstract Solitary liver cysts (SLCs) are usually asymptomatic, uncommon and nonparasitic cysts of congenital origin, most frequently discovered during imaging studies. It may develop in the form of simple cyst and biliary cyst. The majority of the cysts that are discovered incidentally remain small. The etiology of SLC is unknown. Perioperative cholangiography is helpful to confirm the connection between cyst and biliary tree. In several clinical situations, including resection of malignant or benign biliary lesions, reconstruction of the biliary system using the Roux-en-Y jejunum limb should be performed as the standard procedure.

Definitive Surgery of the Large Solitary Liver Cysts

Definitive Surgery of the Large Solitary Liver Cysts

The diagnostic and therapeutic approach for the congenital solitary liver cysts

The diagnostic and therapeutic approach for the congenital solitary liver cysts

Früh- und Spätergebnisse nach Operation von nicht parasitären gutartigen Leberzysten

Symptomatic congenital cysts of the liver, whether solitary or multiple in appearance, can be treated by a laparoscopic approach. Here we present our single centre experience encompassing a rather large cohort of patients. From our prospective surgical database, introduced for quality management and surveillance, we identified 34 consecutive patients who were operated on for congenital liver cysts between 1995 and 2004. Using a questionnaire, the patients were contacted to assess actual complaints, the recurrence of operated cysts or the frequency of newly developed cysts. During follow-up two patients had died of other diseases. Of the remaining 32 patients 30 answered the questionnaire (94 %). The median postoperative follow-up was 55 months (range: 8-121). There were 29 women and 5 men with solitary (n = 10) or multiple (n = 20) liver cysts and polycystic liver disease (n = 4), all complained of unspecific upper abdominal pain. Due to previous operations or coexisting diseases open laparotomy was performed in 7 patients and laparoscopic unroofing was performed in 27 patients. The conversion rate to open laparotomy was 7 % (n = 2). Solitary cysts were unroofed in 25 patients and multiple cysts in 8 patients. The resected cysts had a median diameter of 10.5 cm (solitary cysts: 7-19 cm, multiple cysts: 4-23 cm). The only postoperative complications were 3 cases of bilioma (8.9 %), which required open revision in one case. There were no cysts recurrences, but persisting upper gastrointestinal pain, backache or problems arising from the scars were reported by 9 patients (30 %). In cases of symptomatic congenital liver cysts laparoscopic unroofing should be considered the treatment of choice.

Laparoscopic Deroofing of Congenital Solitary Liver Cyst in a Neonate Managed at Day 16 of Life

Congenital liver cysts are uncommon lesions, which are being recognized with the increasing use of antenatal ultrasound. In this paper, we report a case of an antenatally diagnosed solitary simple liver cyst managed by laparoscopic deroofing. Laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis and gave information about the relation of the cyst with the liver and portal structures. Laparoscopic deroofing is a safe, effective means of management of the liver cyst in pediatric patients.

Levovist ultrasonography imaging in intracystic hemorrhage of simple liver cyst

The differential diagnosis between intracystic hemorrhage and cystadenocarcinoma of the liver is often difficult even with the use of various imaging modalities. A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of right upper quadrant pain. Ultrasonography (US) demonstrated a heterogeneous echogenic cyst measuring 11 cm multiply 8 cm in size in S2 of the liver, indicated intracystic hemorrhage of simple liver cyst or cystadenocarcinoma, but the differential diagnosis was considerably difficult. Levovist (Schering, Berlin, Germany) US revealed no enhancement of the intracystic structures, suggesting a clot in the case of intracystic hemorrhage. An operation was performed and the resected lesion showed a solitary benign liver cyst, measuring 5.5 cm multiply 4.7 cm multiply 8.5 cm containing a large blood clot. The patient had an uneventful recovery after the surgery. Levovist US may play an important role in discrimination between intracystic hemorrhage of simple hepatic cysts and cystadenocarcinoma of the liver.

Congenital Solitary Intrahepatic Biliary Cyst in a Newborn: Report of a Case

A solitary liver cyst (SLC) is a nonparasitic cyst of congenital origin. Its cause is unknown, but it may develop in the form of a simple cyst or a biliary cyst. Solitary liver cysts are extremely rare and usually symptomatic in infancy whereas they are most often detected incidentally in adulthood. Despite advanced imaging techniques, the differential diagnosis of SLC may still be difficult. Surgical intervention is required for histopathological verification, to relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as infection, cyst rupture, and hemorrhage. Although total excision of SLC is desirable to impede recurrences, partial excision may be adequate when total excision is impossible. We report the case of a newborn with a progressively enlarging solitary intrahepatic biliary cyst. We discuss the etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment options for this rare entity.

Solitary liver cysts in children: not always so simple

Aim Liver cysts in children are uncommon. Many are simple and solitary and do not require intervention. However, this series demonstrates a broad range of potential pathologies, some of which are life-threatening. Methods All children referred to our unit during an 8-year period (1998-2005) and found to have a solitary liver cyst were prospectively recorded. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features were analyzed. Children with an isolated extrahepatic choledochal cyst and polycystic disease were excluded. Results Twenty-one children with a liver cyst were identified. Two had undergone unsuccessful surgical intervention before referral. There were 11 prenatally detected cysts. Median gestational age at detection was 22 weeks (19-35 weeks); only 1 was specifically characterized as a liver cyst prenatally. Six of these required surgery: 2 large simple cysts, 2 intrahepatic choledochal cysts, 1 giant complex biliary cyst causing respiratory distress, and 1 ciliated hepatic foregut cyst. Of the 5 cysts remaining under ultrasound surveillance, 4 decreased in size or resolved. In 10 children presenting between birth and 15.8 years, a liver cyst was diagnosed postnatally: 3 huge cystic mesenchymal hamartomas, 1 type V choledochal cyst, 1 hydatid cyst, and 5 simple cysts. Four of these required surgical resection. Simple cysts tended to be small and could be distinguished from other pathologies using a combination of imaging techniques (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography [MRCP], radionuclide scan). Only 2 of 12 children with “simple” cysts required surgery for symptoms. However, a wide range of other cyst pathologies were found in 9 children, and although none was malignant, some were life-threatening and 7 required resection. Conclusions Simple solitary nonparasitic liver cysts rarely cause symptoms or require surgery, but the pediatric surgeon should be aware of the wide range of other types of liver cyst in children to ensure appropriate treatment.

Congenital Solitary Liver Cysts

The aim of the study was to describe clinical and pathological findings in children with rare congenital solitary liver cyst. Six children with congenital liver cyst were treated at the authors' institution from 1995 to 2002. Clinical records and operative findings of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. Age at presentation ranged from neonatal to 14 years, and there were four girls and two boys. Hepatomegaly was the most common symptom in neonates while the older children presented with abdominal pain. Ultrasound was conclusive for diagnosis in all children, prenatal ultrasound in three. Intrahepatic cyst was found in five children. Partially extrahepatic cyst in the porta hepatis was found in one. The cyst diameters varied from 8 to 10 cm. Cysts were excised via an open abdominal approach in all patients. Histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of congenital liver cyst. Columnar epithelium was found in newborns while atrophic changes of epithelial lining were seen in older children. In a case of a 13-year-old girl the cyst was lined by metaplastic squamous epithelium with foci of slight dysplasia. Immunohistochemical studies were available in three recent children with positive findings in all of them. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. The follow-up period ranged from 36-120 months and no recurrence was observed. With appropriate selection of symptomatic patients, total excision of a congenital liver cyst is a safe procedure with excellent long-term results. Given the possibility of malignant degeneration of a congenital liver cyst we recommend its surgical excision in most cases.

Laparoscopic Resection of Solitary Congenital Liver Cyst in a Neonate

Solitary congenital liver cysts are a rare finding and present a challenge in the diagnosis. Routine prenatal ultrasounds confirmed the presence of an isolated cystic mass in the upper abdominal cavity of a fetus during the third trimester of gestation. Ultrasound examination performed after birth confirmed the presence of a floating cyst in the upper abdomen. Laparoscopy was performed on the 12th day to confirm the diagnosis using a 2.7 mm scope and instruments. Using a monopolar hooked cautery, the cyst was resected free from the liver surface without any complication. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated a true liver cyst with a mesothelial lining and hepatic residues. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in literature where a solitary liver cyst was resected using minimal invasive techniques in a newborn.

Role of fenestration and resection for symptomatic solitary liver cysts

Symptomatic liver cysts can be managed surgically by fenestration or by hepatic resection. The present study was designed to investigate the current role of each surgical technique in the management of this benign condition. Forty consecutive patients with symptomatic liver cyst (non-parasitic and non-malignant) surgically treated by fenestration or resection were identified from a prospectively collected database. An analysis of primary outcome measures including operative parameters, morbidity and mortality rates, length of postoperative stay and recurrence rates in months was carried out. The laparoscopic fenestration group had the best perioperative outcome. At median follow up of 20 months, there were no recurrences in the resection group but recurrence occurred in 6/27 (22%) in the fenestration group. Four of these recurrences were asymptomatic and were managed conservatively while two symptomatic recurrences required a resection. Laparoscopic fenestration is the best treatment for symptomatic liver cysts as the primary operation. It is associated with the lowest blood loss, lowest morbidity and shortest hospital stay. Liver resection is best reserved for recurrent symptomatic cysts and cystic lesions suspicious of tumours where it can be safely performed and associated with a zero recurrence rate.

Sclerosant Therapy as First-Line Treatment for Solitary Liver Cysts

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.

Adenocarcinoma and infection in a solitary hepatic cyst: A case report

Solitary non-parasitic liver cysts are being increasingly diagnosed due to the increased use of abdominal sonography. The majority of solitary liver cysts are asymptomatic; however, there are some complications which include infection, perforation, spontaneous hemorrhage, obstructive jaundice and neoplastic degeneration. In some cases a cystic liver lesion may mimic a tumor and is difficult to differentiate with standard imaging studies or fine needle aspiration cytology. Here in, we report a case of adenocarcinoma arising in a solitary hepatic cyst complicated with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. High levels of CEA in the cyst fluid levels suggested malignancy, which was confirmed by pathology of the resected specimen.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma in children: beware of the solitary liver cyst

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma (UES) of liver is a rare form of liver tumor in children. It may have an atypical presentation leading to delay in diagnosis. The authors report on 3 consecutive children with this condition, each of them presenting in older children who presented with this condition and an initial diagnostic dilemma. One of them presented initially with a solitary cyst, the second with severe abdominal pain, and the third with intermittent fever. Preoperative chemotherapy was successful in shrinking the tumors in 2 children to allow anatomic liver resection with tumor-free margin. Both remain free of recurrence 2 years after completing treatment.

Laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts and polycystic liver disease.

The authors present their experience in the laparoscopic management of hepatic cysts and polycystic liver disease (PLD). Between January 1996 and January 2002, 16 patients underwent laparoscopic liver surgery. Indications were solitary giant cysts (n = 10) and PLD (n = 6). Data were collected retrospectively. Laparoscopic fenestration was completed in 15 patients. Median operative time was 80 min. There was no deaths. Complications occurred in four patients: one patient with a solitary liver cyst experienced diarrhea, while a pleural effusion, a bleeding from the trocar-insertion site, and ascites occurred in three patients with PLD. Median follow-up was 34 months. There was one asymptomatic recurrence (11%) in one patient with a solitary cyst. Two patients with PLD had a symptomatic recurrence of a liver cyst. Laparoscopic fenestration could be the preferred treatment of solitary liver cysts and PLD. Adequate selection of patients and type of cystic liver together with a meticulous surgical technique are recommended.

Laparoscopic treatment of symptomatic cysts of the liver.

Reports of successful treatment of liver cysts by the laparoscopic approach prompted the use of this technique in a series of patients. Ten patients with symptomatic liver cysts were treated by the laparoscopic deroofing technique. Eight patients had one solitary cyst, one had two cysts and the remaining patient had polycystic disease with a giant cyst. Hydatid disease was excluded serologically and radiologically but albendazole was used before operation in six cases because hydatid disease is endemic in Argentina. There was no surgical morbidity or death. For between 6 months and 3 years all patients were asymptomatic. Computed tomography showed recurrence of a cyst in one patient, who was successfully reoperated on laparoscopically. Laparoscopic fenestration of either solitary or multiple liver cysts is the treatment of choice. It produces minimal surgical trauma, shorter hospital stay and avoids the morbidity of laparotomy. Reduced postoperative adhesions allows repeated procedures if the condition recurs.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

LAPAROSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN LIVER DISEASE

Minimally invasive techniques may be used for treating a variety of benign hepatic lesions in selected patients. The size of the lesions is less important than the anatomic location in anterolateral regions. Laparoscopic unroofing of solitary liver cysts is the surgery of choice for this indication. The laparoscopic management of patients with PLD should be reserved for patients with a few, large, anteriorly located, symptomatic cysts. Active hydatid cysts present technical difficulties because of their complex biliovascular connections and the inherent nature of the parasite. The authors' results do not support the widespread use of laparoscopy in these cases. Uncomplicated benign liver tumors located in the left lobe or in the anterior segments of the right lobe can be resected safely using a four-hand technique. Open surgery is the treatment of choice when primary tumors are malignant, located posteriorly, or in proximity to major hepatic vasculature. Laparoscopic resection of liver metastases with a safety margin of 1 cm, when the total number is less than four, is not unreasonable and can be offered to patients without evidence of extrahepatic disease.