Do hepatic cysts always require surgery to remove?

Hepatic cysts do not always require surgery for treatment, but surgery may be required to remove them depending on their location and other factors, according to WebMD. Most hepatic cysts require no treatment at all unless they become very painful or create health complications.

One non-surgical option is to drain the cysts with either a catheter or needle, WebMD says. The downside is that the cysts frequently refill with fluid. Another treatment called sclerotherapy helps prevent the refilling with an injection into the cyst of a hardening substance, like alcohol. Draining cysts is usually recommended if they have become infected or are blocking the bile duct.