Abstract

Introduction: Cystic lesion of the liver is not an uncommon condition. These conditions are increasingly being diagnosed because of improved diagnostic facilities. Hepatic cysts may be non-parasitic and parasitic. The non-parasitic cysts may be simple, polycystic liver disease and neoplastic. The incidence of simple liver cyst is approximately 5% of the general population, and most of them are asymptomatic, diagnosed incidentally during imaging study for other abdominal conditions or at laparotomy. These cysts may again produce symptoms due to pressure on adjacent organs. The parasitic cyst caused by the larval stage of Teniaechinococcus. Echinococcosis is wide-spread, and it is not confined to sheep-raising countries. Increasing migration, high mobility of troops and a growing incidence of world travel make hydatidosis a global problem of increasing importance.

In Bangladesh the exact incidence of cystic lesions of the liver is not known, but these conditions are increasingly being diagnosed and treated

Materials & Methods: A prospective study was carried out form September, 2000 to May, 2005 in the Dept. of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU, Dhaka and Islamic Bank Central Hospital (IBCHK), Dhaka. The study was carried out on patients of cystic disease of the liver who underwent operative treatment in 136 patients This study revealed the cystic lesions of the liver are not uncommon. Because of improved diagnostic technologies a good number of cases are now seen. This study was mainly done to find out the common causes. In several countries, parasitic aetiology is common because of obvious reasons.

Results: Of the total of 124 patients evaluated 92 patients were female and 32 patients male. Therefore, female-male ratio was 3:1. The incidence of cystic lesion of the liver in different age groups showed mean age 36.7±9.8 years range 17-61 years. Majority (42.8%) of the patients in the age group 30-39 years and 2nd highest (30.2%) in the age of group 40-49 years. Among hepatic cysts, Neoplastic 8(6.46%), Parasitic 62(50%) Simple 40(32.25%), Polycystic 14(11.29%). The neoplastic cysts were cystic degeneration in malignant tumor.

Conclusion: This study proved that parasitic (hydatid) disease is the common cause of hepatic cysts in our country. Improved diagnostic technologies were also helped by the surgical procedures e.g. hepatic resection, excision of the cyst, deroofing etc. followed by histopathological confirmation. These were possible, because of special interest in hepatobiliary surgery, use of CUSA and above all.

Keywords: Parasitic, Hepatic Cyst, Commonest.