management of simple liver cysts

Last reviewed 01/2018

Asymptomatic simple liver cysts do not require treatment.

Cysts may causes symptoms in two ways:

  • compression of surrounding structures, usually biliary
  • distension of the liver capsule, causing pain

Symptomatic cysts may be treated by:

  • cyst wall fenestration, which is usually performed laparoscopically
  • rarely, partial liver resection