Polycystic liver disease with complications: fenestration by laparoscopic approach.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Isolated polycystic liver disease is a rare congenital cystic liver disease with autosomal dominant transmission. Its main feature is the presence of a large number of cysts of different sizes in the hepatic parenchyma, which have a benign evolution. METHOD: We present the case of an 80 years old male patient with massive polycystic liver disease, diagnosed three years ago by ultrasound examination and abdominal computed tomography scan. The evolution of the disease had been complicated by compressive symptoms, caused by the large dimensions of the cysts. The patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and lost weight. Cyst fenestration through laparoscopic approach resolved the symptoms. RESULTS: The patient was mobilized on the day of the surgery, and was discharged on the 9th postoperative day, after drainage tube removal. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated polycystic liver disease is rare. Surgical treatment is indicated only if complications occur. The laparoscopic approach is an alternate treatment method, if needed. The patients benefit from the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.