Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of simple hepatic cyst: Clinical practice guideline

Abstract

Simple hepatic cysts are now diagnosed in over 8,000 individuals annually in South Korea, largely due to the widespread adoption of medical check-ups and advancements in imaging techniques. However, no appropriate clinical practice guideline has been established to address this condition. While international guidelines have recently been published, differences in clinical and epidemiological contexts have highlighted the need for a tailored guideline to assist domestic clinicians. To address this, the Clinical Practice Guideline Development Committee of Korea Association Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery gathered input from surgeons, physicians, radiologists, pathologists, and epidemiology experts to adapt and modify pre-existing international guidelines to better suit domestic realities. This clinical practice guideline aims to provide a clear and appropriate pathway for the management of patients with simple hepatic cysts. It is anticipated that, based on this guideline, clinicians will have a practical framework for diagnosis and treatment. In the near future, it will be necessary to collect high-level evidences to further refine and strengthen recommendations for subsequent guideline updates.