Management of Polycystic Liver Disease

Polycystic liver disease (PCLD) is characterized by multiple cysts throughout the liver. Patients may develop chronic intractable symptoms that may be debilitating. Others may develop medical complications that necessitate intervention. There is a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for symptomatic or complicated PCLD, which range from cyst aspiration and fenestration to liver transplantation. Studies have described variable efficacy and morbidity. Currently, there are no guidelines for the management of PCLD patients and the optimal intervention is controversial. This article reviews the pathogenesis, classification and spectrum of treatment options for PCLD.