Surgical treatment of nonparasitic cysts of the liver: open versus laparoscopic treatment

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the immediately postoperative and follow-up results of open and laparoscopic surgery of hepatic cysts in a tertiary hepatobiliary referral center.Materials and MethodsFrom March 1999 to February 2007, 59 patients underwent surgical treatment for nonparasitic liver cysts. Patients were assigned to the laparoscopic (n = 42) or open group (n = 17) for analysis.ResultsThree conversions to open procedures had to be performed in the laparoscopic group. One patient had to be reoperated because of a bile leakage in the laparoscopic group. Follow-up examination showed 2 recurrences in the laparoscopic and 3 in the open group. Three out of 17 patients in the open group had to be operated for incisional hernias. Time to previous activities was significantly shorter after laparoscopy.ConclusionsLaparoscopic treatment of symptomatic nonparasitic liver cysts is superior concerning short- and long-term results in a vast majority of cases.