Cystic liver tumours usually do not present any symptoms. However, larger cysts can cause discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen, below the right rib cage, along with other symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting. For simple liver cysts, surgery is only necessary if the patient experiences symptoms. Otherwise, regular check-ups and radiological monitoring are recommended.
The surgical treatment for simple cysts involves fenestration, which entails opening the cyst, aspirating its contents, and removing the upper wall or roof. The excised cyst wall is examined under a microscope to obtain a definitive diagnosis before completing the surgery. In some cases, the examination may indicate that the cyst is actually a liver cystadenoma. In such cases, complete removal of the cyst is necessary to prevent malignant transformation.
The laparoscopic approach offers a minimally invasive surgical option, resulting in less trauma and faster recovery for the patient. Patients can be discharged from the hospital the next day, and the likelihood of postoperative complications is low.
A T-tube cholangiogram is a fluoroscopic procedure in which contrast medium is injected through a T-tube into the patient’s biliary tree.
