Liver cyst removal or fenestration

Hepatic cystectomy

Excision of a liver cyst or treatment to remove the wall of the cyst

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HCA UK Booking Line:

020 7079 4344

What is liver cyst fenestration?

Liver cysts are small pockets of fluid that form in your liver. If they get too big, they can cause pain and swelling.

Simply draining the fluid is not enough to remove a cyst, as it fills up again. A more effective way is laparoscopic 'de-roofing' where a large portion of the cyst wall is removed.

Need to know

  • What happens during surgery? icon plus

    Your consultant will explain the procedure to you during your pre-op appointment, and also answer any questions you may have.

    Laparoscopic de-roofing is usually performed under general anaesthetic. It is a surgical procedure done through 2‒3 small cuts in the abdomen, and uses a flexible fibre optic tube with a tiny camera and a light on the end (laparoscope) to see inside the body (‘keyhole' surgery).

    Once the cyst is located, it's usually aspirated (drained of fluid) and part of the cyst wall is removed to prevent the cyst from refilling and recurring.

    You will be required to stay in hospital for one to two days.

  • How to prepare icon plus

    You'll have a pre-op assessment about 14 days before surgery to assess your general fitness.

    As you'll be receiving a general anaesthetic, you may need to limit your food and drink intake in the six hours leading up to surgery. You're usually given anti-thrombosis socks to wear to stop you from developing blood clots in the veins of your legs during and after the procedure.

    Be sure to inform your consultant in advance of any relevant medical information, such as:

    • an artificial heart valve
    • a coronary artery stent
    • a pacemaker or defibrillator
    • an artificial joint
    • an artificial blood vessel graft
    • a prescription for warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel

  • After surgery icon plus

    After your liver cyst excision, you'll be transferred to our recovery unit, where our dedicated team of HPB consultants and nurses will care for you. Recovery times for liver cyst excisions can vary, so your HPB consultant will explain when you can expect to leave the hospital and get back to your routine.

    Most people make a full recovery within two weeks, and the risk of the cyst recurring has been shown to be very low.

Our liver specialists

We're proud to work with leading hepatobiliary consultants, specialising in the diagnosis, management and treatment, of medical conditions affecting the liver and bile duct.

Our locations

From complex liver surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional hepatobiliary care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Book an appointment

Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.

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020 7079 4344
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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