DRAINAGE OF CYSTIC LESIONS OF THE LIVER USING ULTRASONICALLY GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS PUNCTURE

One hundred and twenty nine patients with cystic lesions of the liver including 108 cysts, 17 abscesses and 4 hematomas were examined by ultrasound.We studied the usefulness of ultrasonically guided percutaneous puncture and drainage for 23 of 129 patients with cystic lesions of the liver including 7 of 108 cysts, 15 of 17 abscesses and one of 4 hematomas.Ultrasonically guided percutaneous catheter drainage was useful for 13 of 15 patients with liver abscess and one with hepatic hematoma.Seven patients with large cyst of the liver were treated with absolute ethanol injection under ultrasonically guided puncture. After treatment, remarkable shrinkage of all cysts was observed on the ultrasonogram.For early reduction of huge cysts of the liver over 15 cm in diameter continuous drainage and repeated injection of absolute ethanol were useful.Histopathlogical findings of hepatic cyst after absolute ethanol injection therapy showed not only degeneration of the epithelial lining cells but also intramural bleeding, degeneration and necrosis.As treatment with ultrasonically guided percutaneous puncture and drainage is simple and harmless, we conclude that this procedure is effective for treatment of cystic lesions of the liver.