Cyst in Liver: Role of Surgeon
In today's post, let us look into Liver Cysts, their different types, causes, and whether they will need medical management or surgical intervention.
What Is A Liver Cyst?
A liver cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the liver. It's usually benign (non-cancerous) and can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develops later in life).
Types Of Liver Cysts
- Simple Liver Cyst: a single, fluid-filled sac
- Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD): multiple cysts that can cause liver enlargement
- Infectious Liver Cyst: a cyst that becomes infected with bacteria or parasites
Symptoms Of Liver Cysts
- Abdominal Pain: discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
- Abdominal Swelling: enlargement of the abdomen due to liver enlargement
- Nausea and Vomiting: queasiness or vomiting due to cyst compression
- Fever: elevated body temperature due to infection
Diagnosis Of Liver Cysts
- Imaging Tests: ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan to visualize the cyst
- Blood Tests: liver function tests to evaluate liver health
- Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken from the cyst for examination
Role Of Surgeon
- Surgical Drainage: draining the cyst to relieve symptoms
- Cyst Fenestration: creating a window in the cyst to allow drainage
- Cyst Resection: removing the cyst and a portion of the liver
- Liver Resection: removing a portion of the liver to treat PLD
Surgical Approaches
- Open Surgery: traditional open surgery to access the liver
- Laparoscopic Surgery: minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscope
- Robotic Surgery: advanced robotic surgery for precise dissection
When To Seek Surgical Help
- Severe abdominal pain: persistent or severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- Abdominal swelling: rapid enlargement of the abdomen
- Infection: fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Bleeding: bleeding from the cyst or liver
If you're experiencing symptoms of a liver cyst or have been diagnosed with a liver cyst, consult Dr. Sachin Wani, a Surgical Gastroenterologist in Thane at HealWell Speciality Clinic.
