Laparoscopic resection of a nonparasitic liver cyst

The spectrum of treatment options for symptomatic, benign, nonparasitic hepatic cysts has ranged from percutaneous aspiration to liver transplantation. Most large series have demonstrated that complete resection of the cyst is associated with the lowest rate of recurrence. However, a conventional open laparotomy may subject these patients to unacceptable morbidity given the benign nature of most of these lesions. We successfully performed a complete resection of a large hepatic cyst using a laparoscopic approach. Using an endoscopic GIA stapling device we were able to remove the cyst with minimal blood loss and in minimal operative time. The patient tolerated the procedure well, was discharged home on postoperative day 2, and in follow-up has been without recurrent symptoms.