Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Application of the En Bloc Concept Combined with Anatomic Resection in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
04:41

Application of the En Bloc Concept Combined with Anatomic Resection in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy

Published on: March 10, 2023

Obstructive jaundice caused by a huge liver cyst riding on the hilum: report of a case

T Kanai1, T Kenmochi, T Takabayashi

  • 1Department of Surgery, Hiratsuka City Hospital, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan.

Surgery Today
|September 14, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A large liver cyst caused obstructive jaundice in a patient. Initial drainage relieved symptoms, but recurrence led to successful surgical deroofing, resolving the jaundice.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Obstructive jaundice can arise from various causes, including rare hepatic lesions.
  • Large liver cysts, particularly those centrally located at the hepatic hilum, are infrequently reported causes of biliary obstruction.

Observation:

  • A 71-year-old male presented with obstructive jaundice due to a massive, centrally located liver cyst compressing the hepatic hilum.
  • Initial percutaneous transhepatic cyst drainage temporarily relieved jaundice by decompressing the bile duct.

Findings:

  • Recurrence of jaundice post-drainage removal indicated the need for definitive treatment.
  • Surgical deroofing of the liver cyst resulted in complete resolution of jaundice and sustained patient well-being.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for large, centrally located liver cysts to cause significant obstructive jaundice.
  • Percutaneous drainage offers temporary relief and diagnostic utility, but surgical deroofing is crucial for preventing recurrence.
  • Early recognition and appropriate management of such rare hepatic cysts are essential for favorable patient outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Jaundice01:25

Jaundice

Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Gallbladder01:17

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...