Do liver cysts need surgery?

Liver cysts usually do not require surgical treatment, but surgical intervention is considered if the cyst is large, significantly compresses surrounding organs and causes symptoms, or is suspected to be associated with malignant changes. The vast majority of liver cysts are benign, asymptomatic congenital lesions that do not require special treatment, only regular observation.

The main causes of liver cysts include congenital developmental abnormalities, genetic factors, and chronic liver disease. Small liver cysts usually do not affect the human body, but when the cyst grows to a diameter of more than 5 cm, compressive symptoms such as abdominal distension, upper abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite may occur. In rare cases, cysts may rupture spontaneously or become infected, posing serious health risks. Asymptomatic liver cysts discovered accidentally during a physical examination usually only require regular follow-up with imaging such as ultrasound or CT to confirm that the cyst is stable and does not grow larger. If there is recurrent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or rapid enlargement of the cyst, further diagnosis may be required.

The main causes of liver cysts include congenital developmental abnormalities, genetic factors, and chronic liver disease. Small liver cysts usually do not affect the human body, but when the cyst grows to a diameter of more than 5 cm, compressive symptoms such as abdominal distension, upper abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite may occur. In rare cases, cysts may rupture spontaneously or become infected, posing serious health risks. Asymptomatic liver cysts discovered accidentally during a physical examination usually only require regular follow-up with imaging such as ultrasound or CT to confirm that the cyst is stable and does not grow larger. If there is recurrent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or rapid enlargement of the cyst, further diagnosis may be required.

For situations that require treatment, minimally invasive intervention or surgery is a common option. Surgical methods include cyst fenestration and drainage, intraoperative radiofrequency ablation, or cyst resection. Minimally invasive techniques, such as percutaneous puncture sclerotherapy, shrink the cyst by injecting a sclerosant into the cyst, and have the advantage of rapid recovery. In addition to surgery, diet can be adjusted in daily life, such as reducing fat intake and limiting alcoholic beverages to reduce the burden on the liver. It is also necessary to control accompanying problems such as hyperlipidemia and chronic liver disease, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and reduce the risk of further deterioration of the cyst. If suspected symptoms worsen or the nature of the cyst is unclear, consult a professional hepatobiliary doctor as soon as possible, and respond symptomatically to ensure health and safety.