Cyst infection is a recognised complication of polycystic liver disease. When a hepatic cyst becomes infected, prompt and appropriate management is essential — and the clinical approach must account for the limitations of medical therapy alone.
In patients with polycystic liver disease, an infected hepatic cyst presents a distinct management challenge. Antibiotic therapy — including agents that diffuse well into intracystic fluid — is often insufficient despite prolonged courses of at least two to three weeks.
The protocol for this situation involves a surgical intervention directed at the infected cyst, performed under antibiotic cover. The full structured protocol specifies the procedure type, operative details, and perioperative antibiotic management.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2018.07.004
Treatment with antibiotics (including a fluoroquinolone that diffuses well into intracystic fluid) is often insufficient despite prolonged treatment, which must be for at least two or three weeks.
On rare occasions, surgical treatment by fenestration and drainage can be offered, covered by peri-operative antibiotic therapy.
View source ↗