Laparoscopic management of cystic disease of the liver

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic management of cystic disease of the liver, including severe polycystic disease, is evolving.

Methods: Wide unroofing, or ``fenestration,'' as is required for a successful result in open cases, leads to complete resolution of the cysts. This can even occur in chronic cysts, with wide-enough unroofing, given time.

Results: In polycystic disease, adequate fenestration of superficial cysts allows deeper cysts to prolapse and be similarly fenestrated, thus reducing pressure effects on the liver and restoring normal function.

Conclusion: However, because of the distortion of anatomy by this disease, it is important that an experienced liver surgeon perform such a complex procedure, as operative complications could be severe.