Percutaneous treatment of hepatic cysts by aspiration and sclerotherapy.

We treated 35 patients who had hepatic cysts (30 congenital cysts, 5 hydatid cysts) with percutaneous puncture and sclerotherapy. After puncture and drainage of the cyst, a 95% alcohol solution was instilled as sclerosing agent into the cystic cavity. In all the patients, cyst puncture and drainage was successful. Follow-up in all cases was at least 12 months. In three uncooperative patients, cysts recurred due to incomplete sclerosis of the lining epithelium of the cyst wall. No major complications were encountered in all cases. All congenital cysts were treated on an outpatient basis. Patients with hydatid cyst were hospitalized for 48 h after puncture and aspiration. In our opinion, percutaneous drainage and sclerosis of congenital hepatic cysts can be considered an effective alternative to surgical treatment.