Laparoscopic treatment using an argon beam coagulator for nonparasitic liver cysts

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic deroofing has been shown to produce good patient satisfaction and to have results similar to those of open surgical techniques. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic deroofing using an argon beam coagulator (ABC) in the patients with nonparasitic liver cysts. METHODS: Laparoscopic deroofing for the treatment of liver cysts was attempted on 14 patients. After the deroofing, the secreting epithelium within the residual cystic cavity wall was destroyed using the ABC. RESULTS: Laparoscopic deroofing was successful in all patients. No deaths or surgical morbidity occurred, and no postoperative complications were recorded. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days. The median follow-up was 56 months for all patients, and all patients have remained completely asymptomatic for 6 months after the surgery, with no recurrence of the cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that laparoscopic deroofing using the ABC method in patients with nonparasitic liver cysts was effective in preventing cyst recurrence.     

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.     

Cyst wall resection and ablation by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery combined with argon plasma coagulator for huge hepatic cysts

Six cases of deroofing of giant liver cysts by hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and safe and definitive cyst wall ablation with argon plasma coagulation (APC), which was verified by pathological examination of the resected cyst wall, were shown.     

Laparoscopic treatment of nonparasitic hepatic cysts

Background We present our experience with laparoscopic deroofing of nonparasitic hepatic cysts. Methods Laparoscopic deroofing was performed due to a solitary hepatic cyst in 21 patients and polycystic liver in four patients. Laparoscopy was indicated when a cyst was larger than 5 cm (the general size of cysts was 6.9 cm) and caused complaints and was in a superficial position. In eight patients in whom the cyst was larger than 10 cm, omentoplasty was performed. Results Intraoperative complications were not detected. Two conversions were performed because of the deep position of the cyst. Postoperative bile leakage was detected in one case that was treated conservatively. The average hospital stay was 4.7 days. Relapse occurred in two patients (8%), but only one of them required a second operation. Conclusions We recommend laparoscopic deroofing for treatment of nonparasitic liver cysts. This operation causes only slight discomfort for the patients, the intra- and postoperative morbidity is low, and relapses are rare.     

经皮囊内入路电切去顶术治疗单纯性肾囊肿16例报告

目的:评估经皮囊内入路电切去顶术治疗单纯性肾囊肿的疗效,以探讨低侵袭性、彻底的肾囊肿治疗方式。方法:我院于2011年4月~2013年12月采用经皮肾穿刺囊肿去顶术治疗单纯性肾囊肿患者16例。患者平均年龄59(23~78)岁;囊肿位于左肾13例,右肾3例。囊肿直径平均8.2(5.2~12.8)cm。术中在超声定位下应用经皮肾穿刺技术配合双极电切镜切除游离于肾脏外侧的囊壁,术后留置引流管2d。结果:14例患者手术顺利完成,囊肿完全消失。意外发现1例肾细胞癌,二期行肾部分切除术;1例因出血中转开放手术。平均手术时间68(15~125)min。平均随访15(1~32)个月,未见复发。结论:单纯性肾囊肿可以用经皮肾穿刺去顶术安全解决。此技术优于腹腔镜肾囊肿去顶减压术,避免了多个trocar的安置及广泛的肾周剥离,降低了手术难度。     

Surgical Strategy for Cystic Diseases of the Liver in a Western Hepatobiliary Center

The aim of this study was to define the indications and evaluate the results of various management options in patients with cystic liver disease. Between 1992 and 1999 we managed 60 consecutive patients with cystic liver disease. Diagnoses included a simple cyst (solitary 12, multiple 10), adult polycystic liver disease (APLD 17), Caroli’s disease (8), hydatid cysts (4), and neoplastic cysts (9). Half of the patients with simple cysts had mild or no symptoms and required no treatment. Percutaneous drainage in eight patients (simple cyst 4, APLD 4) was followed by symptomatic recurrence in three. Laparoscopic deroofing in three patients (multiple simple cysts 2, APLD 1) was followed by symptomatic enlargement of the remaining cysts that required further intervention (laparoscopic deroofing 2, transplantation 1). Laparoscopic hepatectomy was successful in three patients with solitary simple cysts. Of 18 patients who underwent open hepatic resection (neoplastic 8, Caroli’s 4, simple cysts 3, hydatid cysts 2, APLD 1), 2 patients with Caroli’s disease required liver transplantation for disease progression. Nine patients (Caroli’s 5, APLD 4) underwent liver transplantation, and three had a concomitant renal transplant. Seven patients developed complications, and three died (5%). Cholangiocarcinoma developed in three patients with bilateral Caroli’s disease, and all died. Radiologic treatment has a limited role in the management of patients with simple cysts or APLD. Laparoscopic deroofing of simple cysts may have to be repeated, whereas resection minimizes cyst recurrence. Unilobar Caroli’s disease may be resected, whereas bilateral disease requires early liver transplantation owing to the high risk of malignancy. Transplantation is a reserved option in patients with extensive APLD.     

Role of laparoscopy in hepatic cyst surgery

BACKGROUND: Hepatic cysts are detected incidentally in 2.5-5% of the population. Only about 15% of such cysts are symptomatic. Since laparoscopic deroofing for liver cysts was first described in 1991 there have been a number of reports of successful laparoscopic management of hepatic cysts, including the laparoscopic management of complex and parasitic cysts. METHODS: A systematic review of English-language articles on the subject appearing in journals through May 2002 was conducted using the Medline database. RESULTS: Only a minority of cystic liver lesions need treatment, and the therapeutic approach is guided by the type of cyst. Laparoscopic deroofing (combined with omentoplasty and/or oversewing) of uncomplicated liver cysts is associated with a recurrence rate of 10-25%, with less morbidity and mortality as compared to open surgery. On the other hand, treatment of complex liver cysts and hydatid cysts by laparoscopy is not considered a standard approach. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach in uncomplicated but symptomatic liver cysts is effective, with low morbidity and mortality. Additional omentoplasty or oversewing appears to reduce the recurrence rate.     

Laparoscopic deroofing of a renal cyst: the hidden invasion

Cysts of the kidney usually originate from the renal parenchyma after tubule obstruction; rarely pyelocalyceal cysts occur, originating from transitional urothelium. Neoplasia is a rare but possible complication. A 45-year-old man was found to have a cyst related to the right kidney. Computed tomography demonstrated minimal calcification in the wall (Bosniak II). Symptom-relieving percutaneous drainage yielded clear fluid; resultant cytology was negative. After rapid reaccumulation, laparoscopic deroofing was performed. No communication within the renal pelvis was detected however histology revealed transitional cell carcinoma. An open radical nephroureterectomy was performed; adjuvant chemotherapy was given. Three previous cases of malignancy in a pyelocalyceal cyst have been reported. This is the first reported after laparoscopic deroofing of a cyst. Despite widespread use of the Bosniak renal cyst classification, the management of category II cysts remains contentious. This case should serve as a warning to clinicians that seemingly benign cysts of the kidney may harbor underlying neoplasia. Intraoperative frozen section should be considered in all cases where preoperative imaging suggests Bosniak II classification.     

The management of simple hepatic cysts: sclerotherapy or laparoscopic fenestration.

BACKGROUND: Prior to the era of laparoscopic surgery, open surgical deroofing was considered to be the most appropriate therapy for uncomplicated simple hepatic cysts. Recently, there have been a number of reports of successful laparoscopic fenestration of simple hepatic cysts. Simple aspiration of these cysts is associated with a high recurrence rate. Cyst sclerosis with alcohol and, more recently, minocycline hydrochloride have been found to be effective in their management. So far there have been no trials comparing laparoscopic deroofing with sclerotherapy. A lack of consensus in their management results in considerable confusion and difficulty in deciding the optimum form of therapy. METHODS: A systematic review of articles on the subject appearing in journals in the English language was conducted using the Medline database and by cross-referencing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic deroofing and cyst sclerosis have been found to be effective in partial or complete obliteration of the cyst and in the relief of symptoms produced by the cyst. It is essential to rule out cystadenoma, malignancy, biliary communication and infection prior to treating these cysts. Alcohol/minocycline based sclerotherapy has the advantage of being associated with a lower incidence of complications. Surgery is indicated if it is difficult to rule out the above mentioned conditions, in the presence of biliary communication, in those cysts where sclerosis has been ineffective and in cases of recurrence. The choice between open and laparoscopic surgery depends on the location of the cysts within the liver parenchyma.     

Experience with different methods of treatment of nonparasitic liver cysts

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In a search for the optimal management of nonparasitic liver cysts, a study was made of the effectiveness of different methods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1 January 1982 and 15 December 2001 we treated 132 patients with nonparasitic liver cysts. In 72 patients 31 cysts were treated with enucleation, 60 with deroofing, and 24 with stitching by laparotomy; two liver resections were also performed. In a further 34 patients 36 cysts were treated with deroofing by minimally invasive surgery. In an additional 26 patients 32 cysts were treated with various interventional radiological methods. RESULTS: There was no mortality. The morbidity rate after laparotomy was significant (22.2%). The rate of recurrence after enucleation and deroofing was 6.5% and 13.8%, respectively, but there were no recurrences after stitching and liver resection. The recurrence rate following laparoscopic deroofing was 19.4%, and that following interventional radiological procedures was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment is required only if cysts are highly symptomatic or if growth is detected. Interventional radiological methods do not prove more favorable than surgery. Laparoscopic fenestration is preferred because of its low morbidity and the short period of hospitalization. Traditional surgical methods should be reserved merely for cases in which laparoscopic deroofing is not feasible.     

Laparoscopic Treatment of Nonparasitic Liver Cysts: Adequate Selection of Patients and Surgical Technique

Results of laparoscopic fenestration in patients with a highly symptomatic solitary liver cyst (17 patients) or polycystic liver disease (PLD) (9 patients) were prospectively evaluated in a multicenter practice of general surgeons. Conversion to laparotomy was required in two patients because of inaccessible deep liver cyst in one and a diffuse form of PLD in the other. There was no mortality or major morbidity. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 days after successful laparoscopic procedures. During a mean follow-up of 9 months, 23% of the patients had recurrence of symptoms and 38% had radiographic reappearance of cysts. Factors predicting failure included previous surgical treatment, deep-sited cysts, incomplete deroofing technique, location in the right posterior segments of the liver, and a diffuse form of PLD with small cysts. Adequate selection of patients and type of cystic liver disease and meticulous and aggressive surgical technique are recommended.     

Treatment of symptomatic non-parasitic liver cysts--surgical treatment versus alcohol injection therapy

Fourteen patients with benign symptomatic non-parasitic cysts of the liver were either surgically treated, had alcohol injected into the cysts, underwent deroofing of the cyst or in 5, a cystectomy was done. Alcohol was injected into 6 patients and there has been no recurrence for as long as 5 years and 8 months after the treatment. Liver dysfunction occurred in 3 patients given blood transfusion during the surgery and/or postoperative course, an elevated temperature (over 39 degrees C) occurred in one patient. Adverse effects of alcohol injections were minor and transient. Based on our experience, the injection of alcohol is an effective treatment for benign symptomatic cyst of the liver. When a malignancy is suspected on imaging and/or cytologic studies, or when alcohol administration is ineffective, then surgery is indicated.     

Tailoring the management of nonparasitic liver cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal management of symptomatic non-parasitic liver cysts. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Management options for symptomatic nonparasitic liver cysts lack substantiation through comparative studies with respect to safety and long-term effectiveness. METHODS: A retrospective review of the surgical management of patients with hepatic cysts between October 1988 and August 1997 was undertaken to determine morbidity rates and to assess long-term recurrence. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (35 women, 3 men) underwent 48 operations for symptomatic hepatic cysts of mean diameter 12 cm, with a mean follow-up of 41 months. Twenty-three patients had simple cysts, and 15 patients had polycystic liver disease (PCLD). The symptomatic recurrence rates after laparoscopic or open deroofing for simple cysts were 8% and 29%, and for PCLD 71% and 20%, respectively. There were no symptomatic recurrences after 14 hepatic resections. There were no perisurgical deaths; however, morbidity rates were significant after laparoscopic deroofing, open deroofing, and hepatic resection (25%, 36%, and 50%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Selection of patients with truly symptomatic hepatic cysts is crucial before considering interventional techniques. For simple cysts, radical laparoscopic deroofing is usually curative; open deroofing should be reserved for cysts inaccessible by laparoscopy. The latter technique is well tolerated; however, long-term symptom control is unpredictable in patients with PCLD. Hepatic resection for PCLD provides satisfactory long-term symptom control but has an appreciable morbidity rate. Although laparoscopic and open deroofing procedures are less reliable in the long term for solitary cysts, they might be useful steps before embarking on this major procedure.     

Biliary cystadenoma: short- and long-term outcome after radical hepatic resection

The intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma is a rare benign tumor of the liver, originating from an intrahepatic bile duct: it becomes symptomatic only when it causes obstruction of the bile duct itself. Regardless of the various diagnostic modalities available, it is difficult to distinguish preoperatively the cystadenoma both from a simple liver cyst, and from a cystic carcinoma of the bile duct. An incomplete surgical removal of the cyst often results in a higher risk of size increase and recurrence, even considering that the lesion may degenerate into a cystadenocarcinoma. Between January 2004 and May 2011, 1,173 liver resections were carried out at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit of San Raffaele Hospital: 12 of these were performed for cystadenoma. Forty-six patients underwent laparoscopic liver cysts deroofing: definitive histological examination in six of these patients revealed instead the diagnosis of cystadenoma. In 50% of cases, the diagnosis of cystadenoma was therefore acquired as a result of an incidental finding. The patients were all female, median age 45 years. The liver resection included six cases of left hepatectomy, three left lobectomies, and three of the right hepatectomy. The operations were performed by laparotomy, with the exception of two left lobectomies completed laparoscopically. In all cases, the postoperative course was without major complications. The resection was radical in all cases and the median hospital stay was 5 days. At a median follow-up of 16 months (range 7-30), all patients are alive and disease free. Biliary cystadenomas can easily be misunderstood and interpreted as simple hepatic cysts. Radical surgical resection is necessary and provides good short- and long-term outcomes.     

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic management of hydatid disease of the liver.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic treatment of hydatid disease of the liver produces encouraging results, though its feasibility and safety have been questioned. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic management of hydatid disease of the liver. METHODS: Consecutive patients with this disease reporting to our department from August 1998 to January 2002 were offered laparoscopic management. Our protocol included preoperative albendazole for 4 weeks, laparoscopic cyst evacuation after its sterilization, and deroofing and suction drainage of the cavity, addition of omentoplasty if required, and a follow-up exceeding 6 months. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (M11:F7) with 22 liver hydatid cysts underwent laparoscopic surgery. The mean cyst size was 7.4 cm (range, 5.6 cm to 16.6 cm). Two patients needed conversion to an open operation. Spillage of cyst contents occurred in 5 patients. True recurrence of hydatid disease occurred in the original site in 2 patients (11%), and false recurrence was seen in 2 patients (11%), all within 6 months. CONCLUSION: With proper patient selection, laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts of the liver is a feasible option with low rates of conversion. Both true and false recurrences are common with conservative laparoscopic options, and undetected ectocysts may be the cause of true cyst recurrence.     

Minimally invasive interventions in solitary liver cysts]

Large intrahepatic cysts need surgical intervention when becoming symptomatic. In case of non-parasitic solitary cysts different surgical treatments are available. We performed three different minimal-invasive procedures in 8 patients. Good results were obtained by laparoscopic extended deroofing of the cyst. Indications and technical performance are presented.     

Laparoscopic radical deroofing of hepatic cysts using the ultrasonic scalpel.

BACKGROUND: There is some debate regarding the role of laparoscopy in deroofing of liver cysts. METHODS: Three patients underwent laparoscopic deroofing by means of an ultrasonic scalpel. RESULTS: All three patients underwent treatment successfully with minimal postoperative morbidity and hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonic scalpel has a useful role in the laparoscopic treatment of hepatic cysts.     

Symptomatic Solitary Nonparasitic Liver Cysts

Symptomatic solitary nonparasitic liver cysts are rare, and are treated by aspiration, deroofing or total resection. We present two recent cases of women with very large such cysts, who were successfully treated by conventional deroofing and omentoplasty, since that is in our vision the treatment of choice for this benign pathology.     

Symptomatic solitary nonparasitic liver cysts

Symptomatic solitary nonparasitic liver cysts are rare, and are treated by aspiration, deroofing or total resection. We present two recent cases of women with very large such cysts, who were successfully treated by conventional deroofing and omentoplasty, since that is in our vision the treatment of choice for this benign pathology.