Management of cystic disease of the liver.

The management of cystic diseases of the liver requires an understanding of their pathophysiology and natural history. Surgery for congenital solitary cysts and polycystic disease should be reserved for patients with significant symptoms. Caroli's disease requires careful preoperative evaluation and planning and long-term follow-up. Surgery for echinococcal liver cysts should be performed before complications of rupture and superinfection develop.