ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effects of different surgical treatments on severe polycystic liver disease (SPLD). Methods A total of 22 patients with SPLD were surgically treated in our Department from December 1989 to July 1999. Of the patients, 5 were treated with the partial hepatic resection in combination with cyst fenestration (group A), 7 with laparotomic fenestration (group B), 4 with laparoscopic fenestration (group C) and 6 with puncture under the guidance of ultrasonography B (group D). The surgical outcome and long term follow up results were retrospectively analyzed. Results After the treatments, all the patients experienced immediate relief of symptoms. However, the follow up for an average of 3 years showed that 10 patients developed recurrence of the disease. The recurring rates were 0, 28.5%, 65.5% and 100% in groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Conclusions The approach of partial hepatic resection in combination with cyst fenestration is the most effective treatment for SPLD. Laparoscopic fenestration may not be an appropriate surgical way for treatment of SPLD.