Liver Cysts
Liver cysts require a diagnosis by a liver specialist, so the nature of the cysts can be defined, before treatment can be planned. You are in good hands at The Surgeons Collective in Perth, an experienced team of liver surgeons and hepatologists and dietitians. We develop treatment plans for liver disease, and this is an overview of the types of liver cysts.
Parasitic liver cysts
Parasitic liver cysts are often caused by a form of encapsulated abscess. Live parasites then become isolated in it, and the most common parasite in Australia in liver cysts is the echinococcus parasite. The cysts themselves are also called hydatid cysts. In country areas, parasitic liver cysts are often caused by a food contamination.
The treatment for liver cysts is often managed in collaboration with our infectious disease specialists and based on using a medication called Albendazole. If the cyst is too large and there is a risk of rupture, surgery is recommended. If the cysts are caused by other parasite types, the type of cyst varies as well.
We help our Perth patients to plan the most effective and most comfortable treatment for liver conditions, applying our many years experience as expert specialists and surgeons. The Surgeons Collective is led by WA’s leading liver surgeon Prof Luc Delrivière and our team has a clear focus on creating the best possible outcomes, providing you with genuine support and excellent care.
About Us
At The Surgeons Collective we work as a team of expert surgeons, as well as hepatologists, gastro-enterologists and accredited dietitians.
Liver surgery and associated treatments
Benign liver cysts
A benign liver cyst consists of a fluid filled sac. As a patient, you can present single, multiple or a large amount of cysts, and the size can vary: from a few millimeters in diameter to over 20 cm. In most cases, treatment for benign liver cysts is not required, but if they become larger they may cause discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen. They can also compress the stomach/duodenum. Cysts can be opened laparoscopically and this means that part of their wall is removed in surgery. This operation is called a fenestration.
Sometimes a liver resection surgery is recommended, depending on the anatomical position of the cysts. In very exceptional cases, when a patient has numerous cysts throughout the liver, liver transplant surgery may be recommended as the last resort option. In this case the liver is so large, that it may heavily impact the patient's comfort and quality of life.
Our liver surgeons and specialists are here to help you understand the condition of your cysts, to organise the recommended tests, and to plan your surgery if you experience any pain or discomfort.
Cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma
In some cases, the cyst a patient presents with, is caused by a chronic malformation of a bile duct. These particular cysts are called cystadenoma. They contain fluid that partly consists of bile and the cyst wall can become chronically inflamed. In these cases there is a small risk of cancer, and when this risk exist the lesion is called a cystadenocarcinoma. If this is the diagnose, it is often recommended to surgically remove the cysts, because their malignant transformation (when they become cancerous), is sometimes hard to detect.
Why we never give up on your health
We believe you deserve world-class excellence. This belief guides us throughout our range of diagnostic, investigative and therapeutic services. We are a team of committed surgeons, dietitians and support staff, aiming for the highest possible level of care and friendliness. We believe you deserve it before, during and after your treatment or surgery.
As a team we focus on trusted and attentive communication, so we make sure we understand your needs as a patient. That's what helps us to never give up on your health.
If you have any questions about liver cysts or any other liver condition, please contact The Surgeons Collective.
Contact us
THE SURGEONS COLLECTIVE
McCourt St Medical Centre
Level 1, Suite 10, 2 McCourt Street
West Leederville,
Perth 6007, WA
THE SURGEONS COLLECTIVE
Monday - Thursday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday | 9:00am - 1:30pm
