Background/aims: The use of laparoscopic technique for management of symptomatic liver cysts is documented to be a feasible and safe procedure with proved symptomatic relief. In the present study, we reviewed the results of this approach in the management of symptomatic liver cysts.
Methodology: Retrospective review of all patients with symptomatic liver cysts that were treated by laparoscopic fenestration in our department over a 3-year period from 1999 to 2001.
Results: Ten patients were treated using a laparoscopic approach. All patients achieved short-term alleviation of symptoms and an uneventful postoperative course. The mean hospital stay was 3 days. Long-term follow-up (24 months) was available for all the patients. In all the patients, there was no clinical and radiographical recurrence.
Conclusions: The present study confirms that relief of symptoms can be achieved with the laparoscopic approach for non-parasitic liver cysts. Omental packing is not necessary to prevent recurrence of simple hepatic cysts.