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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Application of the En Bloc Concept Combined with Anatomic Resection in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
Published on: March 10, 2023
Role of laparoscopy in hepatic cyst surgery
1Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Bern, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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.
