Liver Cyst Surgery in Dhaka

Liver cysts vary in cause and behaviour:

• Simple cysts — benign fluid-filled sacs, often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally
• Polycystic liver disease — multiple cysts, usually associated with polycystic kidney disease
• Hydatid cysts — caused by Echinococcus parasite, requiring complete removal to prevent recurrence
• Cystadenomas — premalignant cystic tumours that require surgical excision
• Abscesses — pus-filled cavities from bacterial or amoebic infection, sometimes requiring drainage

Not all liver cysts require surgery. Treatment is indicated when cysts cause symptoms (pain, fullness, early satiety), grow rapidly, become infected, compress adjacent organs, or show suspicious features on imaging.

Dr. Arefin evaluates each cyst with ultrasound, CT, or MRI to determine the most appropriate treatment. Hydatid cysts and cystadenomas are nearly always treated surgically due to their risk of recurrence or malignant transformation.

Dr. Arefin prefers laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for accessible superficial cysts. Laparoscopic cyst fenestration — where the cyst roof is removed and the wall is treated — offers rapid recovery with minimal scarring.

For deep cysts, hydatid disease with biliary communication, or large polycystic livers, open surgery may be necessary. Dr. Arefin ensures complete cyst removal or sterilisation while preserving healthy liver tissue.

Recovery after laparoscopic cyst surgery is typically 2–4 days in hospital, with return to normal activities within 2 weeks. Open surgery may require 5–7 days in hospital and 4–6 weeks for full recovery.

To prevent recurrence, Dr. Arefin removes the cyst wall completely or treats it with omentoplasty (covering the cyst bed with omentum). For hydatid cysts, he follows WHO guidelines for perioperative albendazole therapy and careful spillage prevention.