Transverse hepatectomy for symptomatic polycystic liver disease

Preserving the organ donor pool and suprahepatic vena cava: Case series of transverse hepatectomy for polycystic liver disease

Management of symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD) has remained primarily unchanged since the early 20th century when multiple case reports described management of non-parasitic liver cysts. In 1968, Lin et al. described the fenestration procedure, "aspiration of the cysts, incision, partial excision with or without external drainage, or marsupilization and anastomosis to the gastrointestinal tract". Further surgical options have included cyst sclerotherapy, laparoscopic cyst aspiration, partial hepatectomy, and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). Recently there has been discussion of medical management with somatostatin analogs to reduce hepatomegaly in PLD with varying success. There is no current consensus on treatment or standard of care for symptomatic PLD, it is largely up to surgeon preference and ability; however, there has been a movement toward early OLT with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score exception points. This case series reviews two female patients with normal renal and hepatic function with symptomatic PLD treated with transverse hepatectomy. We propose that patients suffering from symptomatic PLD, with retained renal and hepatic function, can be treated with transverse hepatectomy conserving limited donor livers for decompensated patients; moreover, transverse hepatectomy does not disrupt the major suprahepatic vena cava preserving potential surgical access for future OLT.

[Von Meyenburg complex associated with adult polycystic liver disease]

INTRODUCTION

The von Meyenburg complex (bile duct hamartoma) is a rare developmental disorder, manifested by multiple bile ducts. The polycystic liver disease is a rare congenital anomaly which may remain undiscovered until adult life, occurring more frequently in women. It is mostly asymptomatic, but sometimes surgical intervention is necessary. In the majority of cases, it is combined with cysts in the kidney and, rarely, in other organs as well. The cysts may vary in diameter from 1 mm to 20 cm, or even more.

CASE REPORT

A 55-year-old woman underwent surgery based on clinical diagnosis: suspected Echinococcus liver cyst. Liver biopsy was performed, and a parenchymal tissue of 6.5x4x3 cm, with a cyst with a diameter of 2.5 cm, was resected. Within the cyst lumen there was a necrotic, mushy, yellow contents. Microscopically examined, it showed plenty of cholesterol crystals. The wall of the cyst consisted of hypocellular connective tissue. In the surrounding liver parenchyma, there were cystical formations of the same structure, measuring 1-2 mm. Also, there were some multiple bile duct hamartomas. The ducts were encircled by a delicate connective tissue.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These changes correspond to von Meyenburg complex, i.e. biliary microhamartoma combined with adult polycystic disease. In our case, in the wall of the cyst there were numerous cholesterol crystals, pointing to its retention character and, probably, to the mechanism of its origin. After degeneration of biliary epithelium, the cyst wall grew very thick, due to proliferation of the connective tissue evoked by the aggressive chemical contents of the bile. Frequent development of cholangiocarcinoma within the cyst wall also points to long-term chemical irritation.

Lésions kystiques du foie et des voies biliaires (en dehors du kyste hydatique)

The role of surgery in cystic diseases of the liver and biliary tract depends upon the kind of cysts. When they are symptomatic, solitary cysts of the liver may require laparoscopic unroofing. Mucinous cystadenoma should be resected since there is a risk of cystadenocarcinoma. Polycystic liver disease may require surgery when massive hepatomegaly results in pain or a worsening of the patient's general condition. Laparoscopic fenestration and partial hepatectomy are only indicated in a small number of selected patients with large or localized cysts. Orthotopic liver transplantation may be recommended in symptomatic cases with massive hepatomegaly even if there is no renal failure and no need for renal transplantation. Caroli's syndrome localized in one lobe or one segment should be resected since it leads to cholangiocarcinoma in more than 10% of cases. When cystic dilatations are diffuse, liver transplantation may be required. Choledochal cysts should be completely resected since cancer may arise in non resected parts. Complete resection may be associated with major hepatectomy.

Combined hepatic resection with fenestration for highly symptomatic polycystic liver disease: A report on seven patients

AIM: To evaluate the immediate and long-term results in a series of patients with highly symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD) treated by combined hepatic resection with cystic fenestration.

METHODS: We reviewed our recent experience with a combined hepatic resection-fenestration procedure in seven highly symptomatic patients with PLD. Clinical data, liver manifestation of computed tomography (CT), and morbidity were recorded pre- and post-operation. Follow-up was made by clinical and CT examinations in all patients.

RESULTS: Symptomatic relief and reduction in abdominal girth were obtained in all patients during an average follow-up period of 20.4 mo. CT scans confirmed post-resection hypertrophy of the spared liver and lack of significant cyst progression. All patients had mild to severe ascites. Two patients were complicated with pleural effusion.

CONCLUSION: Some highly symptomatic patients with massive PLD may benefit from combined hepatic resection and fenestration at acceptable risk. To stitch the dissected hepatic ligaments could prevent the instable remnant liver from kinking and collapsing.