OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical experience with diagnosis and treatment of intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma (IBCA).

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 10 consecutive IBCA cases treated in our department in light of the characteristics of the epidemiology, radiology, lab tests, pathology and prognostic.

RESULTSThe patients are all female with an average age of 48.9 (16-73) years. The number of asymptomatic, slightly symptomatic and severe symptomatic patients was 4, 4 and 2, respectively. Radiological examination showed segmented cystic lesions in all the cases with an average diameter is 13.3∓4.9 cm. The incidence of segmentation, papillary or nodular hyperplasia, and calcification within the lesions was 90%, 60% and 20%, respectively. Macroscopic examination of the specimen showed compartmentation in the lesions, and microscopically, the lesions all showed lining of cubic or columnar epithelium on the inner wall with ovary-like or fibrous stroma. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved in 8 cases and partial resection was performed in 2 cases. The patients were followed up for a mean of 55.3 (12-164) months, and none of the patients with complete tumor resection showed recurrence, while both of the two patients with partial resection had postoperative recurrence.

CONCLUSIONIBCA is a rare cystic lesion occurring primarily in middle-aged women. The preoperative diagnosis of this disease relies primarily on radiological evidences, and a complete resection of IBCA may prolong the patient survival.