Treatment of hydatid cyst of the liver: where is the evidence?

Standardized approach to the conservative surgery of hepatic cystic echinococcosis: A prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Surgery is the mainstay of hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE). The conservative surgery of HCE carries a non-negligible risk of recurrence and significant morbidity, dominated by Deep Surgical Site Infections (DSSI). To address these issues, we have improved and standardized this technique, which could reduce complications and achieve better postoperative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study from June 2017 to June 2022 involving of patient operated using a standardized open technique for uncomplicated HCE at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. The aim was to obtain results at least similar to radical management in terms of DSSI. Patients with large cystobiliary fistulas or patients with complicated cysts were excluded.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with 106 cysts were operated using the standardized technique comprising of liver mobilization, intraoperative ultrasound, systematic methylene blue injection to detect cystobiliary fistulas and omentoplasty. The median age of the patients was 44(semi-interquartile range: 16) years. The main symptom described by the patient was pain in 43 cases (86%). An abnormal liver test was found in 20 cases (40%). On imaging studies, the cyst had a median size of 7.4(3.0) cm. Cyst of the hepatic dome accounted for 38 cases (35.8%) with most cysts being situated in the right hemi-liver. Visual inspection of the cavity and Methylene blue testing allowed for the discovery of 57 cysts (53.7%) that had cystobiliary fistulas that were sutured. Omentoplasty was performed in 77 cysts (72.6%). Postoperatively, only 2 cases (1.9%) developed a DSSI in the form of an external bile leak with resolved with conservative management. No case of recurrence was found after a median follow-up of 24 months.

CONCLUSION

The standardized conservative surgical technique, in selected patients, shows promise in reducing DSSI rates and overall morbidity, and achieve as equally good result as radical management.

Viability predictive factors of the daughter vesicles in hepatic cystic echinococcosis

INTRODUCTION

Management of cystic echinococcosis (CE) requires knowledge of certain aspects related to the survival of Echinococcus granulosus. The viability of daughter vesicles (DV) is a determining factor in guiding therapeutic indications, particularly for transiently active Cysts type CE3b.

PURPOSE

To determine the predictive factors of DV viability and its impact on the therapeutic management of CE3b type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective pilot study with an analytical aim on patients with cystic echinococcosis of the liver type CE2 and CE3b, operated in the General Surgery Department of Habib-Bourguiba Academic Hospital, Sfax-Tunisia for 22 months from March 2018 until December 2019. The unit of the study is the DV. A parasitological study of the DV was done in the parasitology laboratory.

RESULTS

During the study period, 27 (40.9%) of 66 operated CE Disease from 21 patients containing 248 DV were explored. The median viability of DV protoscoleces was 16.7%. In bivariate analysis, factors for viability of DV protoscoleces were: fever, acute cholangitis, hyperbilirubinemia, left liver location, rock water and bilious echinococcal fluid (EF), cyst size ≥ 43 mm, Intracystic pressure ≥ 35 mmHg, DV size ≥ 6.5 mm, volume, number of DV/cyst ≥ 5, and opaque wall (p < 0.05). Predictive factors for the Non-viability of DV were: CE3b type, purulent EF, gelatinous EF. In multivariate analysis, only CE2 type, cyst size ≥ 43 mm, number of DV/cyst ≥ 5 and DV size ≥ 6.5 mm were factors significantly associated with the viability of DV protoscoleces.

CONCLUSION

CE3b cysts without the criteria of viability of DV protoscoleces may become candidates for the 'Wait-and-Watch' procedure.

Histopathological and immunological study of rats liver hydatid cysts isolated from human, sheep, goat and cows

In endemic places, liver hydatidosis is a life-threatening health issue. Many consequences such as hepatomegaly, infiltration with inflammatory cells and histopathological changes might arise as a result of liver hydatidosis. This study aimed to look into pathogenic changes in the livers of the rats that experimentally infected with hydatid cysts. These hydatid cysts were isolated from naturally infected humans, sheep, goats and cows. Liver hydatid cysts were collected from the main abattoir of Al-Muthanna province while human hydatid cysts were collected from Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Muthanna province. The hydatid cysts were grossly and histology examined for inspection of hydatid cysts. The in vivo experiments were done by injection of hydatid protoscoleces or sand (fluid) in rats intraperitoneally. The results showed that the gross signs were same in all infected livers which range from paleness, hepatomegaly, hemorrhage and calcification. The hydatid cysts isolated from sheep and goat livers were highly fertile compared to others isolated from humans and cows. Injection of hydatid protoscoleces and hydatid fluid isolated from sheep and goat livers in rats induced the highest immune response compared to that isolated from humans and cows. The liver sections of rats that were injected with human, goat and sheep hydatid protoscoleces and fluids showed hyperplasia in the bile duct, aggregation nonnuclear cells with congested blood vessels. While liver sections of rats were received goat hydatid fluid, cow hydatid protoscoleces and hydatid fluid showed normal liver tissue. These findings suggested that the immunogenicity of hydatid materials is different according to the host and the component of hydatid cysts.

Turkish HPB Surgery Association consensus report on hepatic cystic Echinococcosis (HCE)

OBJECTIVES

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is one of the important problems of the Eurasian region. We aimed to prepare a consensus report in order to update the treatment approaches of this disease. This study was conducted by Turkish HPB Surgery Association.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted with the modified Delphi model. For this purpose, we conducted a three-stage consensus-building approach.

RESULTS

Six topics, including diagnosis, medical treatment, percutaneous treatment, surgical treatment, management of complications and posttreatment follow-up and recurrences in HCE were discussed.

CONCLUSION

The expert panel made recommendations for every topic.

Postoperative morbidity risk factors after conservative surgery of hydatic cyst of the liver: a retrospective study of 151 hydatic cysts of the liver

Background

The purpose of the present paper is to assess the morbidity specifics risk factors of hepatic hydatid cyst after conservative surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 102 patients over a period of 13 years, from 2006 to 2019. We included all patients operated on hydatid cyst of the liver, complicated and uncomplicated, in the Department of General Surgery in Tahar Sfar hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia. We excluded patients who received an exclusive medical treatment and those who have other hydatic cyst localizations.

Results

The cohort was composed of 102 patients with a total of 151 cysts operated on using conservative surgery, among them there was 75 women (73.5%) and 27 men (26.5%). The median age was 43, with extremes ranging from 12 to 88 years. The majority of patients (94.1%) were from rural areas. The cysts were uncomplicated in about half of the cases (48%), elsewhere complications such as compression of neighboring organs (25.5%), opening in the bile ducts (16.7%), infection (9.8%), and rupture in the peritoneum (2%) were found. Conservative surgery was the mainstay of treatment with an overall mortality rate of 1.9%. The overall morbidity rate was 22%: 14% specific morbidity and 8% non-specific morbidity. External biliary fistula was the most common postoperative complication (9%). The predictive factors of morbidity in univariate analysis were: preoperative hydatid cyst infection (P = 0.01), Compressive cysts (P = 0.05), preoperative fever and jaundice, (respectively P = 0.03 and P = 0.02), no one achieved statistical significance in the multivariate model.

Conclusions

Preoperative hydatid cyst infection, compressive cysts and preoperative fever and jaundice could be predictor factors of morbidity after conservative surgery for liver hydatid cyst. They must be considered in the treatment and the surgical decision for patients with hydatid cyst.

Pelvic Hydatid Cyst with Hydroureteronephrosis: A Rare Case Report

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis. Humans are accidentally infected with the parasite. The cyst is usually found in the liver and lungs and rarely occurs in other body parts. The present article describes a rare case of pelvic hydatid cyst in a young man who presented with nausea, vomiting, and right abdominal pain. Two large cystic masses were discovered during a CT scan in the patient's pelvic region, resulting in right urinary tract hydroureteronephrosis. Additionally, the antibody index was used to confirm the presence of a primary hydatid cyst.

Trauma-Induced Rupture of Liver Hydatid Cyst: A Rare Cause of Anaphylactic Shock

Hydatid disease is rare; nevertheless, several areas of the world are endemic. Lebanon is one of the endemic countries. This disease requires careful management, as its diagnosis is tough, and its complications are severe and can lead to sudden death. These complications include fistulas, infection, and rupture. Rupture of a hydatid cyst can mimic acute abdomen and show an array of nonspecific symptoms. It could be mistaken for hemorrhagic shock, trauma, or injury to an intra-abdominal organ. The diagnosis of ruptured hydatid cyst should be kept in mind in cattle-raising countries. We report the case of a polytrauma patient who was suspected to have severe intra-abdominal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock, but imaging and laparotomy showed the rupture of a liver hydatid cyst that drove the patient into anaphylactic shock. This article reviews similar cases in the literature and discusses the diagnostic tools, appropriate management, and expected complications.

Reaching the Challenging Diagnosis of Complicated Liver Hydatid Disease: A Single Institution’s Experience from an Endemic Area

Background and Objectives: Hydatid disease (HD) remains a significant public health issue causing morbidity and mortality in many Mediterranean countries. Material and Methods: The present cohort study included 50 consecutive patients with liver hydatid disease who underwent surgery in a tertiary University Hospital. A total of 18 patients (36%) had a case of complicated HD, including simple communication of the cyst with the biliary tree (6 cases), rupture of the cyst into the biliary tree (6 cases), presence of a bronco-biliary fistula (2 cases), rupture of the cyst in the peritoneal cavity (2 cases), and rupture of the cyst and formation of a hepatic abscess (2 cases). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was pre-operatively performed on six patients. Results: The main clinical symptom presented was right upper quadrant pain in 16 patients (88%), which was associated with high fever (>39 °C) in 14 patients (78%). C-reactive protein (CRP) was the primary indicator of a complicated HD (p = 0.003); however, it was only elevated in 67% of cases. CRP was a more sensitive indicator of a rupture in the biliary tree cyst (p = 0.02). Computer tomography (CT) detected more cases (44%) of a complicated HD than ultrasonography (US) (25%); however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: For prevention and control of HD, a high suspicion of the disease leading to early referral to specialized centers, mainly in endemic areas, is required. Prior to surgical or percutaneous intervention, a combination of imaging and laboratory findings are essential in diagnosing a complicated case and avoiding unnecessary interventions.

Omentoplasty decreases deep organ space surgical site infection compared with external tube drainage after conservative surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis: Meta-analysis with a meta-regression

INTRODUCTION

The rate of deep organ space/surgical site infection after conservative surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) ranges from 12% to 26% with a post-operative mortality rate between 0% and 7.5%. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether omentoplasty (OP) following conservative surgery for HCE leads to decreased rates of morbidity and mortality compared to external tube drainage ETD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 4540 articles through database searching. After verifying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retained eight studies for final analysis: two randomized controlled trials (RCT), one prospective comparative study and five retrospective comparative studies. The main outcome measure was organ space/surgical site (OS/SS) morbidity that was limited to "deep organ space/surgical site infection (Deep OS/SSI) with or without re-operation".

RESULTS

The eight studies reported results for deep OS/SSI (6/374 (OP) and 60/403 (ETD), respectively). There were statistically significantly less deep OS/SSI with OP (vs. ETD) OR=0.17 ^95%CI [0.05, 0.62] (P=0.007). A random-effect meta-regression, including the eight studies, showed an interaction in favor of OP. There were also statistically significant less biliary leakage±fistula and overall morbidity in OP compared to ETD. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found concerning deep bleeding, mortality and recurrence between these two groups.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis with a meta-regression showed that there were statistically significant less deep OS/SSI, biliary leakage±fistula and overall morbidity in OP compared to ETD.

Percutaneous Drainage in Hepatic Hydatidosis-The PAIR Technique: Concept, Technique, and Results

Over decades, surgery has been the only accepted mode of treatment for liver hydatid cysts. It had been a surgical dogma for a long that hydatid disease is an absolute contraindication for needle puncture/aspiration as it can cause anaphylaxis, death, and dissemination. We envisaged prospectively perform percutaneous drainage as a primary form of treatment for hepatic hydatidosis. Through extensive and very careful experimentation, we proved that aspiration of hydatid cysts can be performed safely and is the ideal way to manage a subset of patients with hydatid cysts in the liver. The patient and cyst characteristics good and not good for percutaneous drainage were carefully selected. The procedure of percutaneous drainage of hepatic hydatid cysts involves four sequential steps as defined in the alphabets of the title PAIR, denoting puncture (P), Aspiration (A), Instillation (I), and Reaspiration (R). During and postprocedure, we enforced strict monitoring given the anticipated anaphylaxis. The first PAIR procedure was performed in June 1988. The results of percutaneous drainage of 21 cysts in 12 patients were reported in 1991. Next, a prospective study was done to show that concomitant Albendazole therapy is recommended as an adjuvant to percutaneous drainage for hepatic hydatidosis. In a seminal prospective study comparing percutaneous drainage and surgery, we showed that percutaneous drainage is as good as surgery in the management of uncomplicated hydatid cysts with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. Lastly, long-term follow-up results of percutaneous drainage on a large cohort of patients with hepatic hydatid cysts were reported, with excellent results and no evidence of local, peritoneal or systemic dissemination. Based on these data percutaneous drainage, the so-called PAIR technique has established itself as a novel therapeutic advance in hepatic hydatid disease.

Retrospective Review of Complications of Liver Hydatid Cyst Surgery with Emphasis on Outcomes of Omentoplasty

Background

The outcome and complications of liver hydatid cyst surgeries with new and old techniques are not well determined. We intended to present the results of operations done for patients with hepatic hydatid cyst in an endemic area.

Methods

Data of 112 patients referred and operated for liver hydatid cyst, in Imam Khomeini Hospital complex, Tehran, Iran, from 2015 to 2018, were collected including demographic characteristics, operation parameters and complication related statistics. The variables were presented for different surgical methods including operations with and without omentoplasty.

Results

Patients aged 39. 3 ± 13. 9 yr (70 females; 63. 5%). Most frequent clinical complaint was vague abdominal pain (n=45; 40. 2%). The most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension (18; 16.0%). Conservative methods were chosen more frequently including omentoplasty (44; 39. 3%), cyst drainage (27; 24. 1%), cyst resection (19; 17%) and marsupialization (3; 2. 7%). Overall, 56 patients (50%) were operated with omentoplasty as the single method or in combination with segmentectomy. Complications occurred less in patients operated with omentoplasty (41. 1 vs. 23. 2%; P=0. 043); particularly, biloma was more frequent in surgeries without omentoplasty (7. 1 vs 0. 0%; P=0. 042). Persistence and recurrence rates were 12. 5% and 3. 6% with relative predilection in, respectively, segmentectomy and lobectomy surgical methods compared to Omentoplasty. No mortality was recorded.

Conclusions

In our case series of hepatic hydatid cyst patients, omentoplasty was safe with less complication and similar long-term recurrence rate.

Radical surgery in hepatic hydatidosis: analysis of results in an endemic area

INTRODUCTION

radical surgery in hepatic hydatidosis is associated with less morbidity and recurrence than conservative surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a retrospective observational study of patients with liver hydatid cyst surgery was performed. Seventy-one patients with 90 cysts were included between 2007 and 2017, and radical surgery was performed in 69.01 %.

RESULTS

there was no difference in morbidity, mortality, biliary leakage or recurrence according to surgery. Complicated cysts were associated with a longer hospital stay and morbidity.

CONCLUSION

decision-making should consider age, comorbidity, cyst characteristics and available resources. Radical surgery should be applied whenever feasible as it achieves better results with an adequate selection of patients.

Primary Giant Hydatid Cyst of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles

BACKGROUND

Hydatid cyst disease, commonly caused by Echinococcus granulosus, rarely occurs in paraspinal muscles. Among the few reported cases, the current case is the largest paraspinal hydatid cyst disease ever reported in literature with a review of management of such large lesions.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 38-year-old male presented with lower back swelling for 1 year. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging scans suggested hydatidosis, following which the patient was taken up for surgery after preoperative medical therapy. En bloc resection was done, and histopathologic examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperative albendazole was also used, and no recurrence was noted at 24 months post operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydatid disease should be kept as one of the differential diagnoses for back swelling, especially in endemic regions. Giant-sized hydatid cysts of paraspinal muscles, though rare, cannot be ruled out on clinical ground alone. Thorough history taking and detailed examination should be aided with radiologic investigations like magnetic resonance imaging for an accurate diagnosis. En bloc excision of the cyst combined with preoperative and postoperative medical therapy is an effective method of treating this condition and significantly reducing complication rates.

Multiple Hepatic and Renal Hydatid Cysts Managed with Laparoscopic Surgery

Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The liver and lungs are the most commonly infected organs. We present the first-of-a-kind case of laparoscopic excision of 8 hydatid cysts, of which seven were in the liver and one was in the kidney of a 40-year-old patient. The patient presented with fatigue and fever and a one-year history of vague abdominal pain. Albendazole was administered before surgical intervention. The postoperative follow-up period was notable for a renal fistula. The patient subsequently underwent CT-guided percutaneous removal of a central hepatic hydatid cyst that was inaccessible using laparoscopic techniques. Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in the Mediterranean region. The growing number of immigrants and refugees from endemic areas could increase the prevalence of the disease in nonendemic countries. Therefore, it is important for physicians worldwide to be familiar with the diagnostic modalities and possible treatment options for hydatid disease.

Ultrastructural changes in hydatid cyst walls obtained from human cases, exposed to different therapeutic approaches

Recurrence of cystic echinococcosis as a result of treatment failure is frequently reported to cause a major problem in management of such serious parasitic infection. The deeply seated innermost germinal layer of hydatid cysts is a relatively delicate layer, yet responsible for viability maintenance of this parasitic stage. In this study, a trial was done to explore the ultrastructural changes in germinal and laminated layer of the hydatid cyst for the first time in human cases exposed to different therapeutic approaches which were done earlier to the final open surgical intervention. Four groups were included: group 1 did not receive any earlier form of treatment; group 2 was previously treated with only medical therapy; group 3 was treated with a single course of medical treatment, plus a single PAIR technique; group 4 was treated with multiple courses of medical treatment plus multiple PAIR techniques. Complete alteration of ultrastructural features of germinal and laminated layers were observed only with samples from group 4, indicating a kind of failure of the therapeutic approaches used in group, 1, 2, and 3, unless repeated in group 4 to achieve a real change regarding the fitness of the parasitic cystic lesions. Searching for more effective, safe, therapeutic method is highly recommended which may end the suffering of the affected patients.

Simultaneous Hydatid Cyst of the Liver and Left Iliac Fossa: An Unusual Case Report

Hydatid disease is a significant health problem in many livestock-rearing areas especially in the developing world, mainly caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The liver and lung are the most common affected sites. However, hydatid disease can occur anywhere in the body. Simultaneous involvement of two organs or sites is very unusual, mainly for organs other than the lung and liver. We thus report a very unusual combination of hepatic and left iliac fossa with hydatid disease in an adult patient. A 37-year-old farmer from a village presented with intermittent right upper quadrant and left iliac fossa pain associated with distention of abdomen for one month. Abdominal radiological investigations reported hydatid cyst disease; one cyst was found in the right lobe of the liver and another in the left iliac fossa. Positive IgG antibody by the ELISA test also confirmed the diagnosis. Pericystectomy and excision of hydatid cyst without spillage of content for the liver and left iliac fossa were done, respectively. Patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day with an uneventful postoperative course. There was no recurrence of the lesion during one-year follow-up period. A combination of hydatid disease in the liver and iliac fossa is very unusual, so clinician should have thoughts regarding this rare entity as an important differential diagnosis.

Surgical excision of a giant pedunculated hydatid cyst of the liver

Hydatid disease is caused by a tape worm Echinococcus Granulosus that lives in the intestines of the definitive host which is the dog or other carnivore. Human is the accidental intermediate host and become infected by ingesting contaminated vegetables or water with the eggs of the parasite.

A-37-year old male presented with right side abdominal pain for 2 months. Abdominal examination showed a large right side abdominal mass extending from the right subcostal region to the right iliac fossa. CT-scan showed two cystic lesions in the right lobe of the and a third one extending to the pelvis. During surgery aspiration of 10 liters of bile stained fluid done. Excision of the cysts done. Tube drain put inside the cyst cavity with omentoplasty. There was bile leak to the drain which stopped over one month. The patient received anthelminthic medication for 3 months.

Current approaches in the surgical treatment of liver hydatid disease: single center experience

Background

Liver hydatid disease is a common benign condition in many countries. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic treatment can play an important role in improving the post-operative recovery, reducing the morbidity and recurrence rate of these patients.The purpose of this study is to show that the laparoscopic method is effective and safe in the treatment of liver hydatid cysts compared to open surgery, even in large cysts.

Methods

All consecutive cases surgically managed for liver hydatid cyst from 7 January 2008 and 15 January 2010 in our institution were included in this study.The surgical approach (laparoscopic or open) and operative strategy, as well as operative and prognostic outcomes, were analyzed. Cyst size, type, location, presence of biliary tract communication, radiological findings, duration of hospitalization, recurrence and postoperative morbidity were analysed and compared retrospectively.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included in the study.A total of 23 patients underwent open surgery, and 37 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery.Operation types of laparoscopic surgery were as follows: partial pericystectomy (12patients), total cystectomy(2 patients), partial pericystectomy+total cystectomy(7patients) and cystectomy(16patients).The surgical procedures chosen for open treatment of the residual cavity were partial pericystectomy and omentoplasty(17cases), total pericystectomy(3cases) and partial and total pericystectomy(3cases).Cysto-biliary communication was found in 9 patients. A total of 10 patients underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and one patient underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.There was a progression of hypernatremia in 1 patient, wound infections in 3 patients, and perioperative hemorrhage in 3 patients. There were no statistically significant differences concerning age(p = 0.344), gender(p = 0.318), ASA classification(p = 0.963), Gharbi classification(p = 0.649) whereas there were significant differences related to cyst location(p = 0.040) and size(p = 0.022) in patients undergoing laparoscopic and open surgery.

Postoperative temporary biliary fistulas were observed in 2 patients undergoing open surgery. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery had the advantages of shorter hospital stays and operation times, less blood loss, faster recovery, and lower wound infection rates. Recurrences were detected in 2.7% of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and 4.7% of those undergoing open procedures.

Conclusion

Compared to open surgery in the treatment of liver hydatid cysts, we have shown that laparoscopic method can be safely performed even in large cysts and/or cysto-biliary communication.

Sudden death and hydatid cyst: A medicolegal study

The discovery of a hydatid cyst at autopsy poses the problem of its involvement in the mechanism of death. The aim of this study is to analyse the epidemiological and etiopathogenic characteristics of death attributed to hydatid disease, to discuss the mechanism of death and to propose preventive measures. This is a retrospective descriptive study of 26 cases of death with hydatid cyst autopsic discovered, collected at the forensic department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir (Tunisia) over a period of 27 years (from 1990 until 2017). In 26 cases, hydatid cyst was observed during autopsy of sudden death cases, which corresponds to 0.33% of the total of autopsies in this period. Of the 26 victims, 13 (50%) were men; the mean age was 43 years. Most victims were from rural zones (18 cases). In 20 cases, the complicated cyst was hepatic. It was cardiac in two cases. Of all cases, three cysts were cracked, and nine were broken. Of the 26 cases, only 15 were implicated in the death mechanism. Death was attributed to anaphylaxis in 12 cases, hydatid pulmonary embolism in 1 case, cardiac arythmia in one case and hemothorax in one case. Sudden death is the most dangerous complication of the hydatid cyst which can be discovered at autopsy. Several causes may explain its occurrence, the most common of which is anaphylactic shock.

Laparoscopic cystectomy for pancreatic echinococcosis: A case report and literature review

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widely endemic helminthic disease caused by infection with the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Following ingestion of eggs, hydatid cysts develop, most frequently in the liver and lungs, but occasionally in other organs. Infection of the pancreas by hydatid cysts is very rare, even in endemic areas. Most cases of pancreatic hydatid cysts reported in the literature were treated surgically using traditional open laparotomy. There are only few case reports describing laparoscopic treatment for this disease. Herein, we report on an eighteen-year-old female patient who was referred to our institution with a hydated pancreatic tail cyst. After a course of treatment with Albendazole, we successfully performed laparoscopic splenic-sparing distal pancreatectomy to remove the cyst with an uneventful intra- and post-operative course.

Simultaneous occurrence of hepatic hydatid cyst and mucinous cystadenoma of the liver in a middle-aged female patient: report of a rare case

We present a rare case of simultaneous occurrence of mucinous cystadenoma of the liver (MCN-L) and a hepatic hydatid cyst (HD-L) in a middle-aged female patient. This is the first case report of a common disease (HD-L) and a rare condition (MCN-H) occurring concurrently. MCN-H of the left lobe was inadequately resected in a rural centre leading to recurrence. She presented with a large upper abdominal lump and upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Radiological investigations and an ultrasound revealed a multilobulated cyst involving both lobes of the liver. There was no ascites. Liver function, basic haematology and renal function were normal. The recurrent MCN-L was removed totally. There was no communication between the MCN-L and the right lobe cyst, which turned out to be a hydatid cyst. The hydatid cyst was evacuated. She was discharged on albendazole and is asymptomatic with no recurrence at 8 months.

The Non-operative Management of Asymptomatic Liver Hydatids: Ending Echinococcophobia

BACKGROUND

Cystic echinococcosis is common in many countries and involves the liver in 75% of cases. The current belief is that all incidentally discovered asymptomatic liver hydatids must be subjected to some types of interventional treatments pre-emptively for fear of some presumably impending complications. We conducted this study to assess the prognosis of patients with liver hydatids without any surgical interventions. Furthermore, we tried to predict the outcome of the cyst using two radiological signs.

METHODS

Of 434 asymptomatic patients with liver cysts who referred to our center, 297 were found eligible to be monitored at 1-3-year intervals by unenhanced computed tomography (CT) over a 20-year period. The patients were given the option of either having their cysts removed by open operation (the surgical group) or entering an open-ended "watch-and-wait" program (the surveillance group). Using unenhanced CT, cyst size, laminated membrane detachment (LMD), and pericyst degenerative changes (PDCs) were evaluated every 1-3 years. If a complication happened or the cyst size increased during the follow-up period, the cyst outcome was considered "unfavorable"; otherwise, it was considered "favorable."

RESULTS

Forty-three patients with 56 liver cysts were operated upon without morbidity or mortality. One hundred and twenty-seven patients with 137 cysts were followed. After a median follow-up of 6 (IQR 3 to 10) years, 111 (81.0%) had favorable outcome and 26 (19.0%) cysts had an unfavorable outcome. The size of 69 (50.4%) cysts with favorable outcome was not changed. It was decreased by a mean of 35.7% (SD 17.5%) in 34 (24.8%) cysts; 8 (5.8%) cysts disappeared. Of 26 cysts with unfavorable outcome, 8 (5.8%) developed complications (6 fistulas and 2 secondary infections) after a median follow-up of 6.5 (IQR 2.3 to 12.8) years. The size of the remaining 18 cysts increased by a mean of 42.2% (SD 29.5%). Albendazole administered at a dose of 400 mg, po, bid for 3 years, had a significant effect on hydatids. After adjustment for cyst size at diagnosis and patient's age and sex, logistic regression analysis showed that being univesicular (OR 6.00, 95% CI 1.32 to 27.29), having LMD (OR 5.51, 95% CI 1.03 to 29.43), and the presence of PDCs (OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.36 to 13.30) were independent predictors of a favorable outcome for a cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 80% of asymptomatic liver hydatids have a favorable outcome without pre-emptive surgical interventions. The presence of LMD at any stage and/or PDCs of any grade justifiably exempts asymptomatic univesicular liver hydatids from any treatments. Those without LMD or PDCs can be effectively managed with long-term albendazole, artificially inducing larval involution.

Surgery of the pancreatic cystic echinococcosis: systematic review

The prevalence of pancreatic cystic echinococcosis (PCE) in the world is low ranging between 0.2% and 0.6%. The diagnosis of PCE is easy when it is associated to other location such as liver, it became difficult when PCE was isolated simulating other diagnosis such as pseudocyst, a choledochal cyst, serous or mucinous cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma. This systematic review aimed to provide evidence-based answer to the following questions: (I) what are the efficient tools to affirm the diagnosis of isolated PCE and (II) what are the best therapeutic strategy for the PCE? An electronic search was performed by two authors (W Dougaz, I Bouasker). Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane collaboration were consulted. The keywords used were "cyst", "echinococcosis", "hydatid cyst" and "pancreas". All abstracts were analyzed followed by extraction of the full text by the same two authors (W Dougaz, I Bouasker), all divergences were resolved by discussion with C Dziri. Recommendations were based on Oxford's classification: (I) what are the efficient tools to affirm the diagnosis of PCE? -ultrasound remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reproduces the ultrasound defined features of CE better than computed tomography (CT). MRI with heavily T2-weighted series is preferable to CT. Pancreatic duct MRI should be promising to identify a fistula between PCE and pancreatic duct (level of evidence 3-recommendation B); (II) what are the best therapeutic strategy for the PCE? -surgery is the main treatment of PCE. Open approach is validated. The decision depends of the location of PCE: head versus body and/or tail of the pancreas (level of evidence 5-recommendation D): for the head of the pancreas, the tendency is toward conservative surgery. For body and/or tail of the pancreas, the tendency is toward radical surgery. Medical treatment (albendazole) should be prescribed 1 week before surgery and 2 months during postoperative period (level II evidence and grade C recommendation).

Simultaneous Hepatic and Mesenteric Hydatid Disease-A Case Report

Introduction

Hydatid cysts most commonly present in the liver and the lungs; however, they can appear more rarely in other locations, such as the mesentery, with a rather unclear mechanism of manifestation. Herein, we present a case of simultaneous presence of hydatid cysts in the liver and the mesentery of a young man.

Case report

A 39-year-old man was referred to our Department for further investigation of intermittent abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant, and abdominal distension. Abdominal CT imaging revealed three calcified lesions, one in the liver, a similar adjacent to an ileal loop and one close to the urinary bladder, while antibody control was positive for echinococcal infection. The lesions were excised and the patient was discharged on the seventh post-operative day in good general condition. Post-operative control after 6 months did not show any signs of recurrence.

Conclusion

Simultaneous presence of hydatid cysts in two organs occurs in 5–13% of cases. Presence in the mesentery is extremely rare, although, should be included in the classic differential diagnosis, especially in endemic areas.

Radical versus conservative surgical treatment of liver hydatid cysts: a meta-analysis

To date, the efficacy of radical surgery (RS) versus conservative surgery (CS) for liver hydatid cysts (LHC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the two interventions. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inceptions until June 2016. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software. We identified 19 eligible studies from 10 countries by retrieval. In total, 1853 LHC patients who received RS were compared with 2274 patients treated by CS. The risk of postoperative overall complication, biliary fistula, and recurrence was significantly lower, and operation time was significantly longer in the RS group. However, no statistically significant differences were found in terms of mortality risk and the duration of hospital stay between RS and CS. No significant publication biases were observed in all the above analyses. In conclusion, RS reduces the rates of postoperative complications and recurrence, whereas no trend toward such a reduction in mortality was observed in LHC patients.

Intraperitoneal rupture of hydatid cysts

PURPOSE

Hydatid cyst rupture into abdominal cavity is a rare but a serious complication. The rupture can occur after a trauma, or spontaneously as a result of increased intracystic pressure. It is a surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management of this complication can be life saving. The objective of the current paper is to evaluate the clinical, and radiographic findings and surgical treatment of this complication.

METHODS

A retrospective study on 12 patients operated in our department for intraperitoneal rupture of hydatid cyst between January 1990 and May 2015. We reviewed age, gender, imaging findings, surgical treatment procedures, mortality, morbidity and recurrence.

RESULTS

Our study includes 12 cases of intraperitoneal rupture of hydatid cysts; eight of the patients were men, and four were women. Four patients had a history of abdominal trauma and the other ruptures occurred spontaneously. All the patients had peritoneal irritation signs at presentation. All them underwent ultrasonography and CT scan. Imaging showed intraabdominal free fluid in all of cases. In 11 cases the cyst was unique and only in one case an associated mesenteric hydatid cyst was noted. Ruptured cysts were located in the right lobe of the liver in nine cases, in the left lobe in the other three cases. All the patients underwent emergency surgery after imaging. The procedure applied was conservative associated with drainage in all the cases. Some associated procedures were performed during the same operation. In only one case total pericystectomy for intraperitoneal cyst was performed. There were no post operative deaths. A total of five morbidities developed in three patients (one case of evisceration, three cases of biliary fistula and a case of pulmonary infection).

CONCLUSIONS

Hydatid cyst rupture in peritoneal cavity is a rare complication. Imaging assessment has an important role in diagnosis but clinical signs are mandatory. A quick diagnosis and emergency surgery can decrease postoperative death. Surgery and postoperative care constitute the basis of treatment.

Current status of diagnosis and treatment of hepatic echinococcosis

Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) and Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) infections are the most common parasitic diseases that affect the liver. The disease course is typically slow and the patients tend to remain asymptomatic for many years. Often the diagnosis is incidental. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain, hepatitis, cholangitis, and anaphylaxis due to dissemination of the cyst are the main presenting symptoms. Ultrasonography is important in diagnosis. The World Health Organization classification, based on ultrasonographic findings, is used for staging of the disease and treatment selection. In addition to the imaging methods, immunological investigations are used to support the diagnosis. The available treatment options for E. granulosus infection include open surgery, percutaneous interventions, and pharmacotherapy. Aggressive surgery is the first-choice treatment for E. multilocularis infection, while pharmacotherapy is used as an adjunct to surgery. Due to a paucity of clinical studies, empirical evidence on the treatment of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infections is largely lacking; there are no prominent and widely accepted clinical algorithms yet. In this article, we review the diagnosis and treatment of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infections in the light of recent evidence.

Hydatid cyst of the gallbaldder: A systematic review of the literature

AIM

To evaluate all the references about primary gallbladder hidatidosis looking for best treatment evidence.

METHODS

Search: 1966-2015 in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Tripdatabase. Key words: “gallabladder hydatid disease” and “gallbladder hydatid cyst”. We found 124 papers in our searches but only 14 papers including 16 cases were about hydatid cyst of the gallbladder (GBHC).

RESULTS

Eight cases of GBHC were women and seven men. One not mentioned. Median age was 48.3 years. The most frequent clinical symptom was abdominal pain (94%) usually in the right upper quadrant. Ultrasound was performed in ten patients (62.5%) but in most cases a combination of several techniques was performed. The location of the cysts was intravesicular in five patients. Five patients presented GBHC and liver hydatid cysts. Two patients presented cholelithiasis and one choledocholithiasis. The most frequent surgical technique was cholecystectomy by laparotomy (81.25%). Simultaneous surgery of liver cysts was carried out in five cases. Eleven patients did not present postoperative complications, but one died. The mean hospital stay was seven days. No recurrence of GBHC was recorded.

CONCLUSION

In GBHC, the most frequent symptom is right hypocondrium pain (evidence level V). Best diagnostic methods are ultrasound and computed tomography (level V, grade D). Suggested treatment is open cholecystectomy and postoperative albendazole (level V, grade D) obtaining good clinical results and none relapses.

Liver Echinococcosis complicated with Lesions of Bile Ducts in Azerbaijan

A total of 302 patients with liver echinococcosis (LE) complicated by lesions of bile duct during 1988 to 2015 were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups. In the first group, 227 patients were included with lesions of segmental bile ducts in the form of cystobiliary and bilio-bronchial fistulas. In the second group, 75 patients with lesions of hepatic bile were enrolled. Diagnosis of LE and its complications was made by ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT). Surgical treatment included echinococcectomy with complete liquidation of a residual cavity (35.1%), echinococcectomy with suturing (46.0%), external drainage of a residual cavity (7.3%), pericystectomy (8.6%), and resection of a liver (3.0%). Postoperative complications related to operative intervention developed in 29 patients. Lethal outcomes took place in 6 cases (2.0%). The analysis has shown that the form of bile duct lesions, methods of surgical operation for liquidation of hydatid cysts, and its biliary complications had influenced the treatment outcome. More optimal results are received after complete liquidation of residual cavity in different ways and suturing of cystobiliary fistulas during operation. For prevention of complications related to the presence of residual cavity, laser processing of walls of a residual cavity by ozonized 17% hypertonic solution of NaCl was used and this procedure showed obvious (p < 0.05) advantages.

Major liver resection for recurrent hydatid cyst of the liver after suboptimal treatment

Recurrent hydatid disease (HD) of the liver after a previous suboptimal invasive treatment is a clinical situation not well codified in terms of management and surgical treatment. Between June 2001 and July 2015, 1525 liver resection were performed at our unit, of whom 217 were with a laparoscopic and 20 with a robotic approach. The most common indications were hepatocellular carcinoma grown on a cirrhotic liver and colorectal metastasis. During the same period, we performed liver surgery for HD in 34 patients (21 females, 13 males). This retrospective study focused on the management and surgical treatment of three unusual cases of recurrent hydatid cyst. All patients had a course of perioperative albendazole. Thirty-four patients had a surgical treatment [open surgery in 30 (88 %) and laparoscopic in four (12 %)]. Surgical procedures were classified as radical resections in 33 patients [total cystopericystectomy (10), left lateral hepatectomy (5), left hepatectomy (2), right hepatectomy (7), segmentectomy/bisegmentectomy (9)]. One patient underwent subtotal pericystectomy as the cyst was close to a major vascular pedicle in a cirrhotic liver. Post operative complications of grade I-II occurred in 11 (32 %) patients, of grade III-IV in one (3 %). Three patients had HD recurrence after a previous suboptimal invasive treatment [PAIR (2), unroofing (1)] and all had to undergo a major liver resection for the complete removal of parasites. The HD first relapse rate for the whole surgical series was 3 %. The second relapse rate was 33 %. The overall survival rate was 100 %. Operations for recurrent HD of the liver represent a surgical challenge due to volume of the cyst, presence of adhesions related to previous invasive treatments and proximity to major vascular structures of the liver. In such instances, pericystectomy can be difficultly achieved making necessary a formal major liver resection.

Comparative Evaluation of Liposomal Albendazole and Tablet-Albendazole Against Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial

In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of liposomal albendazole (L-ABZ) and tablet-albendazole (T-ABZ) for the treatment of human hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE). Sixty patients with single cyst (CE1) or daughter cyst (CE2) were included in this study and were nonrandomly divided into the L-ABZ group (n = 30, 10  mg/kg per day, p.o., b.i.d.) and T-ABZ group (n = 30, 12-20 mg/kg per day, p.o., b.i.d.), respectively. The treatment duration lasted for 6 months, during which dynamic follow-up was carried out to evaluate the clinical efficacy through calculating the total effective rates (TERs). Measurement data and numerous data were analyzed by the chi-square test. Two-sided tests were performed for all the statistical tests. In our study, 2 patients were lost in the follow-up in the L-ABZ group. One patient was lost in the follow-up in the T-ABZ group, and 1 patient was withdrawal from the study due to receiving surgery. Significant difference was identified in the 3-month TERs of L-ABZ group and T-ABZ group (33.3% vs 76.7%, P < 0.05). Also, remarkable difference was noted in the 6-month TERs in the L-ABZ group and T-ABZ group (66.7% vs 93.3%, P = 0.01). No statistical difference was noticed in the incidence rate of adverse reactions in both groups (P > 0.05). Based on our study, both T-ABZ and L-ABZ are effective for treating human CE. The TER in the L-ABZ group is superior to that of T-ABZ.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Cardiac Hydatid Using 256 Slice Dual Source CT: One Stop Shop

Hydatid disease results from infection with larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Dogs and other canines are the definitive hosts; Human beings are common accidental intermediate hosts. Liver is the most common organ to be involved in this condition. Cardiac hydatid, seen in only 0.5 to 2% cases, is a rare entity because of myocardial contractility. Larvae reach the myocardium through coronary circulation. Among various locations of cardiac hydatid, due to its rich coronary arterial supply Left ventricle (LV) myocardium is the most common site of involvement followed by interventricular septum and right ventricle. Rare locations include pericardium, right atrium and left atrium. A 50-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea for 11 months, chest X-ray showed a well defined, homogenous left paracardiac mass, which is not separable from left heart border. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a complex multicystic mass lesion abutting antero-lateral wall of left ventricle. Contrast enhanced computed tomography showed a well-circumscribed multicystic mass lesion with honeycomb appearance arising from myocardium of anterolateral wall of left ventricle. Indirect haemagglutination test for hydatid disease was positive. At surgery the cyst was seen to arise from LV myocardium. It was incised and grape like contents were evacuated. The cavity was irrigated with scolicidal solution. Thereafter, the cyst was marsupialised. Histopathological examination revealed grape like cyst contents consistent with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.

Surgical management of liver hydatid disease: subadventitial cystectomy versus resection of the protruding dome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcome and long-term results after management of liver hydatid cysts (LHC) by subadventitial cystectomy (SC) and resection of the protruding dome (RPD) in two tertiary liver surgery centers.

METHODS

Medical records of 52 patients who underwent SC in one center, and 27 patients who underwent RPD in another center between 1991 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients underwent long-term follow-up, including serology tests and morphological examinations.

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality was nil. The rate of severe morbidity was 7.7 and 22% (p = 0.082), while the rate of serological clearing-up was 20 and 13.3% after SC and RPD, respectively (p = 1.000). After a mean follow-up of 41 months (1-197), four patients developed a long-term cavity-related complication (LTCRC) after RPD (including one recurrence) and none after SC (p = 0.012). All LTCRCs occurred in patients with hydatid cysts located at the liver dome; three required an invasive procedure by either puncture aspiration injection re-aspiration (N = 1) or repeat surgery (N = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

RPD exposes to specific LTCRC, especially when hydatid cysts are located at the liver dome, while SC allows ad integrum restoration of the operated liver. Therefore, SC should be considered as the standard surgical treatment for LHC in experienced hepato-pancreato-biliary centers.

Review of the treatment of liver hydatid cysts

A review was carried out in Medline, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. Our database search strategy included the following terms: “hydatid cyst”, “liver”, “management”, “meta-analysis” and “randomized controlled trial”. No language limits were used in the literature search. The latest electronic search date was the 7^th of January 2014. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: all relevant studies on the assessment of therapeutic methods for hydatid cysts of the liver were considered for analysis. Information from editorials, letters to publishers, low quality review articles and studies done on animals were excluded from analysis. Additionally, well-structured abstracts from relevant articles were selected and accepted for analysis. Standardized forms were designed for data extraction; two investigators entered the data on patient demographics, methodology, recurrence of HC, mean cyst size and number of cysts per group. Four hundred and fourteen articles were identified using the previously described search strategy. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria detailed above, 57 articles were selected for final analysis: one meta-analysis, 9 randomized clinical trials, 5 non-randomized comparative prospective studies, 7 non-comparative prospective studies, and 34 retrospective studies (12 comparative and 22 non-comparative). Our results indicate that antihelminthic treatment alone is not the ideal treatment for liver hydatid cysts. More studies in the literature support the effectiveness of radical treatment compared with conservative treatment. Conservative surgery with omentoplasty is effective in preventing postoperative complications. A laparoscopic approach is safe in some situations. Percutaneous drainage with albendazole therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for hydatid cysts of the liver. Radical surgery with pre- and post-operative administration of albendazole is the best treatment option for liver hydatid cysts due to low recurrence and complication rates.

Subadventitial cystectomy in the management of biliary fistula with liver hydatid disease

Biliary fistulas are the most common morbidity (8.2-26%) following hydatid liver surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of subadventitial cystectomy in the treatment of liver hydatid cyst associated with a biliocystic fistula. The medical records of 153 patients who underwent subadventitial cystectomy for a liver hydatid cyst between January 2006 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Cysts were located in the right lobe anterior segment 37 (24.2%) patients, right lobe posterior segment 59 (38.6%) patients, the left lobe in 26 (17.0%) patients, and both lobes in 6 (3.9%) patients. The surgical procedures performed were closed (non-incised) subadventitial total cystectomy in 74 patients (48.4%), open (incised) subadventitial total cystectomy in 30 patients (19.6%), and subadventitial subtotal cystectomy in 49 patients (32.0%). Biliocystic communication was found in 52 patients (34.0%), and 21 patients (13.7%) were treated with T-tube drainage. Two patients had performed biliodigestive anastomosis. Biliary fistula was detected in 9 patients after subtotal subadventitial cystectomy. Biliary fistulas closed spontaneously within 10 days and 61 days respectively and the amount of drainage varying between 50 and 400ml after the procedure. Postoperative complication and recurrence rates were 19.0% and 0.7%, respectively. The mortality rate was 0%. Subadventitial cystectomy should be the surgical treatment of choice for this disease because of its feasibility and low rates of recurrence, complications of the residual cavity, and incidence of associated biliary fistula.

Is radical surgery feasible in liver hydatid cysts in contact with the inferior vena cava?

BACKGROUND

Cysts in contact with the inferior vena cava (IVC) represent a challenge for hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgeons. Although the literature on the topic is scarce, the most widely accepted approach is conservative surgery. Partial cyst resection is recommended, because radical resection is considered a high-risk procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study over the period January 2007-December 2012. We operated on 103 patients with liver hydatidosis. A total of 32 patients (31 %) had a liver cyst in contact with the IVC. We proposed a cyst classification based on location of the cyst and length of contact and degrees of involvement of the IVC.

RESULTS

Median size of the contacting cyst measured by computed tomography (CT) was 12 cm. On CT, median length of contact with the IVC was 37 mm. The median degree of involvement was 90°. Radical surgery was performed in 20 patients (62.5 %). No IVC resection was done. Morbidity rate was 28 %, and mortality was 3 %. In follow-up (median 27 months), no relapses or problems related to IVC flow were detected. Postoperative stay and transfusion rate were higher in the conservative surgery group, but these patients presented fewer complications. There was no relationship between circumferential grades and length of contact with the IVC and the type of surgery performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver hydatid cysts in contact with the IVC are large cysts usually located in the right liver. They do not normally cause clinical symptoms related to IVC contact. Radical surgery is feasible, and was performed in 60 % of our series, but it is technically demanding. We propose a classification of cysts in contact with the IVC.

Predictive factors of recurrence after surgical treatment for liver hydatid cyst

BACKGROUND

Hydatid recurrence after surgery is about 10 %. It still constitutes a problem both in terms of pathophysiology and management of recurrence.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the management of abdominal hydatid recurrence after surgical treatment for liver hydatid cyst and to identify the predictive factors of recurrence.

METHODS

We retrospectively included all the patients operated on between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012, in the Department "B" of Charles Nicolle Hospital (Tunisia), for abdominal hydatid recurrence. Sixteen men and 33 women, with a median age of 45 years, were included. For all patients, clinical variables and morphological and intra-operative characteristics concerning both the hydatid cysts previously treated and the recurrent cysts were collected. Surgical procedures were recorded as well as the immediate and long-term outcomes. Comparative studies were performed: "extrahepatic recurrence versus No," "peritoneal recurrence versus No," and "open approach versus laparoscopic approach." A univariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis was carried out to determine predictive factors of hydatid recurrence.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis showed that laparoscopic approach, segments II and III localization, and postoperative complications during the first intervention were associated with a greater number of both peritoneal and extrahepatic hydatid recurrence. Multivariate analysis retained the laparoscopic approach as a predictive factor of both peritoneal recurrence (OR 5.5; 95 % CI 1.56; p = 0.008) and abdominal extrahepatic recurrence (OR 3.54; 95 % CI 1.08; p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic approach for the treatment of liver hydatid cysts was associated with a higher rate of extrahepatic and peritoneal recurrence than open.

Predictive factors of morbidity after surgical treatment of hydatid cyst of the liver

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Hepatic hydatid cyst is a major health problem in endemic areas. Surgery is still the best choice for treatment of the hydatid cyst of the liver. However, it is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive factors for specific morbidity after conservative surgical treatment of the hydatid cyst of the liver.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 patients who underwent conservative surgical treatment between 2001 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of the 120 patients, 64 were female subjects and 56 male subjects; the median age was 33 years (14-83 years). The mortality rate was 0%. The overall morbidity rate was 26.6%. The specific morbidity rate was 16.6%. The major specific complications were infection of the residual cavity in 10 cases and an external biliary fistula in eight cases. The predictive factors of morbidity in univariate analysis were bilious cyst content, location of the cyst in the hepatic dome, and size >10 cm. After multivariate analysis, only the size of the cyst was an independent predictive factor of morbidity.

CONCLUSION

The size of the cyst was the significant predictor of morbidity of conservative surgery for liver hydatid cyst.

Conventional versus laparoscopic surgery for hepatic hydatidosis: a 6-year single-center experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of laparoscopic surgery compared with conventional surgery.

METHODS

Records of patients who underwent surgery for liver hydatid disease between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. Operative time, blood loss, conversion to open, postoperative morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and recurrence rate were measured.

RESULTS

Among 353 eligible patients, 60 were considered for laparoscopic and 293 for conventional surgery. Operative time was slightly increased in laparoscopic group. No major blood loss and blood transfusion were needed. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly short in laparoscopic group (3.8 ± 1.2 days) than that in conventional group (7.4 ± 1.4 days). The overall morbidity was 13.3 % (8/60) in laparoscopic and 19.8 % (58/293) in conventional group without significance. Both conversion rate and mortality was 0 %. One recurrence in laparoscopic (1.7 %, 1/60) and five in conventional group (1.7 %, 5/293) occurred within 48 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid disease is safe and effective in selected patients with all its advantages.

Cystic echinococcosis of the liver: A primer for hepatologists

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a complex, chronic and neglected disease with a worldwide distribution. The liver is the most frequent location of parasitic cysts. In humans, its clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe, potentially fatal disease. Four approaches exist in the clinical management of CE: surgery, percutaneous techniques and drug treatment for active cysts, and the ”watch and wait” approach for inactive cysts. Allocation of patients to these treatments should be based on cyst stage, size and location, available clinical expertise, and comorbidities. However, clinical decision algorithms, efficacy, relapse rates, and costs have never been properly evaluated. This paper reviews recent advances in classification and diagnosis and the currently available evidence for clinical decision-making in cystic echinococcosis of the liver.

Triple communicating complicated hepatic hydatid cyst: an unusual presentation and laparoendoscopic management

Echinococcal disease in humans had been widely reported in the literature for its unusual presentation and location. We discuss a rare case of suppurated left hepatic hydatid cyst with contaminant transdiaphragmatic rupture communicating into the right pleural cavity along with fistulisation of cyst into the left hepatic duct and stomach which is very rare according to our knowledge. A 65-year-old man presented to us with features of cholangitis and sepsis. Initial radiological investigations revealed multiloculated cystic mass in the left lobe of cirrhotic liver communicating with the left hepatic duct and extending to the right pleural cavity with dilated common bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography confirmed the diagnosis yielding hydatid membranes with presence of transgastric fistula in the left hepatic duct and provided postoperatively continuous internal drainage. Old age, complicated cyst, compromised respiratory status, sepsis and cirrhotic liver precluded us to plan for conservative surgical approach (laparoscopic drainage of mediastinal contents) with successful outcome.