Intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cysts of the liver

Cholangiohydatidosis. Clinical features, postoperative complications and hospital mortality. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cholangiohydatidosis (CH) is an evolutionary complication of hepatic cystic echinococcosis, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the available evidence regarding clinical characteristics of CH, postoperative complications and hospital mortality.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Systematic review. Studies related to CH with no language or publication restriction were included. Sensitive searches were performed in Trip Database, SciELO, BIREME-BVS, WoS, PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS. MeSH and free terms were used, including articles up to April 2023. The main outcome variables were postoperative complications and hospital mortality; the secondary ones were publication year, origin and design of primary studies, main clinical manifestation, anatomical location and type of cysts, hospital stay, surgical procedure performed, reinterventions; and methodological quality of primary studies, which was assessed using MInCir-T and MInCir-P scales. Descriptive statistics, calculation of weighted averages and their comparison by least squares logistic regression were applied. 446 studies were retrieved from the searches performed, 102 of which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies analyzed represent 1241 patients. The highest proportion of articles was published in the last decade (39.2%). Reports are mainly from Turkey (28.4%), Greece (9.8%), Morocco and Spain (8.8% each). With a weighted mean of 14.3 days of hospital stance; it was verified that 26.2% of patients developed postoperative complications (74,3% Clavien y Dindo III y IV), 6.7% needed re-interventions, and 3.7% died. When comparing the variables age, postoperative complications, hospital mortality, and reinterventions in two periods of time (1982-2006 vs. 2007-2023), no statistically significant differences were found. When applying the MInCir-T and MInCir-P scales, the methodological quality of the primary studies was 9.6±1.1 and 14.5±4.3 points, respectively.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

CH is associated with severe postoperative complications and significant hospital mortality, independent of the development of therapeutic support associated with the passage of time.

Left hepatectomy for hepatic hydatid cyst with intra-biliary rupture: Better to be radical

Echinococcal liver cysts are predominantly located in the right lobe of the liver and are mostly asymptomatic. A frank intra-biliary rupture (IBR) of hydatid cyst is uncommon, having variable clinical presentation and treatment options. We present a case of a 60-year-old male patient who presented with pain in the upper abdomen associated with vomiting but without jaundice. On investigations, he was diagnosed to have a left lobe hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC) with IBR for which left hepatectomy with bile duct exploration was performed. It highlights the benign nature of the disease for which seldom major hepatectomies have to be performed.

Benign liver lesions 2022: Guideline for clinical practice of Associazione Italiana Studio del Fegato (AISF), Società Italiana di Radiologia Medica e Interventistica (SIRM), Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC), Società Italiana di Ultrasonologia in Medicina e Biologia (SIUMB), Associazione Italiana di Chirurgia Epatobilio-Pancreatica (AICEP), Società Italiana Trapianti d'Organo (SITO), Società Italiana di Anatomia Patologica e Citologia Diagnostica (SIAPEC-IAP) - Part I - Cystic lesions

Benign liver lesions are increasingly diagnosed in daily clinical practice due to the growing use of imaging techniques for the study of the abdomen in patients who have non-specific symptoms and do not have an increased risk of hepatic malignancy. They include simple or parasitic cysts and solid benign tumors which differ widely in terms of prevalence, clinical relevance, symptoms and natural history and often lead to significant clinical problems relating to diagnosis and clinical management. Following the need to have updated guidelines on the management of benign focal liver lesions, the Scientific Societies mainly involved in their management have promoted the drafting of a new dedicated document. This document was drawn up according to the present Italian rules and methodologies necessary to produce clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic guidelines based on evidence. Here we present the first part of the guideline, concerning the characterization of focal hepatic lesions detected by ultrasound, and the diagnosis and clinical management of simple and parasitic hepatic cysts, and of polycystic liver disease.

Surgical treatment of liver hydatic cyst and evaluation of cystobiliary fistula: experience of two centers

Objective: Intrabiliary rupture or cystobiliary fistula is the most common complication of hepatic hydatid cyst. In this article, our objective is to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, imaging, surgical treatment and results of cystobiliary fistulas, which is the most common complication of hydatid cysts. Material and Method: In our study, patients who underwent open surgery and were followed up and treated for hydatid cyst in the gastroenterology and general surgery outpatient clinic and service between years 2015-2021 were included. The clinical, laboratory, radiological and surgical results of 171 patients with hydatid cysts were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean age of 171 patients who underwent surgery for hydatid cyst was 44.8 (18-71), 68 of whom were men and 103 were women. Bile leakage was present in 50 patients (50 (29.23%)). There were 24 (48%) men and 26 (52%) women with bile leakage. The cyst diameter was 74.2 (36-170) mm and the number of cysts was 1.2 (1-2). The cysts were located in the right lobe of the liver in 116 (79%) patients, in the left lobe in 30 (15%) patients, and in both lobes in 25 (6%) patients. Cystobiliary fistula developed more frequently, especially in cysts located in the right lobe(36 (72%)). Cystobiliary fistula was most common in CE3 (Gharbi type 2) type (30 (60%)). Cystectomy+drainage was performed in 137 (80%) patients in all groups. Cystectomy and drainage were the most common surgical procedures. The cyst diameter was 10 cm in the group with cystobiliary fistula and was significant compared to the group without fistula (p<0.001). Aminotransferase (AST and ALT) levels were high in patients with cystobiliary fistula (p=0.012, p=0.054). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and gamma glutamyl transferase (p=0.231, p=0.097, p=0.544). Conclusion: Liver hydatid cyst is endemic in our country as well as in many other countries in the world. Complicated hepatic hydatid cysts require timely and appropriate treatment because of their life-threatening complications. Cytobiliary fistula is the most common complication. In the surgical treatment of hydatid cyst disease, the earlier the diagnosis of occult cystobiliary fistulas is made (especially in the preoperative or peroperative period), the easier the treatment is, and the risk of bile leakage and consequently the morbidity and mortality decreases. Our results and experience showed that treatment and complications are related to the location and size of the cyst, occult/large cystobiliary fistula, detectability of occult fistulas, experienced center and surgeon.

Diagnosis and treatment modalities of hilar biliary duct stricture in hepatic cystic echinococcosis after endocystectomy

Aim: Hilar biliary duct stricture may occur in hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients after endocystectomy. This study aimed to explore diagnosis and treatment modalities. Methods: Clinical data of 26 hepatic CE patients undergoing endocystectomy who developed postoperative hilar biliary duct stricture were retrospectively analyzed and were classified into three types: type A, type B, and type C. Postoperative complications and survival time were successfully followed up. Results: Imaging showed biliary duct stenosis, atrophy of ipsilateral hepatic lobe, reactive hyperplasia, hepatic hilum calcification, and dilation or discontinuity of intrahepatic biliary duct. All patients received partial hepatectomy to resect residual cyst cavity and atrophic liver tissue, and anastomosis of hepatic duct with jejunum or common bile duct exploration was applied to handle hilar biliary duct stricture. Twenty-five patients were successfully followed up. Among type A patients, one patient died of organ failure, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding and liver abscess occurred in one patient. Moreover, calculus of intrahepatic duct was found in one type B and type C patient. Conclusion: Long-term biliary fistula, infection of residual cavity or obstructive jaundice in hepatic CE patients after endocystectomy are possible indicators of hilar bile duct stricture. Individualized and comprehensive treatment measures, especially effective treatment of residual cavity and biliary fistula, are optimal to avoid serious hilar bile duct stricture.

Diffusion-weighted MRI and FLAIR sequence for differentiation of hydatid cysts and simple cysts in the liver

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DWI signal characteristics are useful in differentiating between hydatid cysts and simple cysts.

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ADC values (b600 and b1000) can distinguish hydatid cyst and simple cyst.

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FLAIR sequence contributes to the differentiation of type 2 hydatid and simple cysts.

Purpose

The contribution of DWI and FLAIR to the differential diagnosis of type 1, 2, and 3 hydatid cysts and simple liver cysts was investigated according to the Gharbi classification. This study is the first report using FLAIR sequence for the differential diagnosis of liver hydatid cysts in this regard.

Methods

A total of 82 hydatid cysts and 40 simple cysts were scanned with DWI (in b600-b1000 values) and FLAIR sequence. In 64 patients included in the study, a total of 122 cystic lesions were diagnosed histopathologically or during follow-up. FLAIR and DWI signal characteristics were evaluated, and ADC values were calculated.

Results

The mean ADC value of hydatid cysts on DWI (b600) was 3.07 ± 0.41 × 10⁻³ s/mm², while it was 3.91 ± 0.51 × 10⁻³ s/mm² for simple cysts and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). On b1000 DWI, the mean ADC values of hydatid and simple cysts were 2.99 ± 0.38 × 10⁻³ s/mm² and 3.43 ± 0:29 × 10⁻³ s/mm², respectively (p < 0.05). The qualitative evaluation of the signal intensity on b600−1000 DWI demonstrated the difference between the simple and hydatid cyst groups (p < 0.05). Type 2 hydatid cysts alone were distinguished from type 2–3 hydatid and simple cysts by FLAIR (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

ADC values can distinguish between hydatid cyst and simple cyst. FLAIR contributes to the differentiation of type 2 hydatid and simple cysts.

Gallbladder Hydatid Cyst: A Review on Clinical Features, Investigations and Current Management

Background

Gallbladder hydatid cyst (GBHC) is highly uncommon with an incidence of 0.3–0.4% of all atypically located hydatid cysts. Our personal experience of one case of primary GBHC (PGBHC) managed laparoscopically motivated this systematic review. This study aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics, types [whether primary GBHC (PGBHC) or secondary GBHC (SGBHC)], clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, imaging studies, operative procedure, hospital stay, follow-up and recurrence.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines.

Results

Twenty studies, including 22 cases plus one more case managed by us, were included in the review. For PGBHC, the mean age was 48.61 years while for SGBHC it was 47.9 years. PGBHC was more common in females (69.23%) while SGBHC was more common in males (55.55%). Overall, GBHC was more common in females (56.52%). The most common presentation overall was abdominal pain (100%) followed by nausea/vomiting (43.47%). The other common symptoms were nausea/vomiting (61.53%) and Murphy’s sign (38.46%) in PGBHC, but jaundice (50%) and fever (30%) in SGBHC. In PGBHC, 50% patients had normal liver function while this was deranged in 66.66% patients with SGBHC. Serology was positive in 50% of PGBHC and 100% in SGBHC. Ultrasonography was positive in 50%, while CT-scan showed 70%. CT-scan was better at detection of SGBHC (100%). The most common operation was open cholecystectomy (78.26%) either isolated or combined. Isolated open cholecystectomy was commonly done in PGBHC (69.23%). Overall, only 56.52% of patients received albendazole, but no recurrence was reported. The average hospital stay was 7.25 days and follow-up ranged from 1 month to 10 years.

Conclusion

GBHC mostly affects females with abdominal pain being the most common symptom. Ultrasonography is expedient though CT-scan is more sensitive. Albendazole monotherapy has questionable value. Open cholecystectomy is the most common operation. However, laparoscopy is safe in experienced hands.

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Management of peritoneal hydatid cysts: A fourty-year experience

BACKGROUND

Hydatid disease is a global problem. We report our experience with such cases where the dominant cysts were located outside the liver and lungs. In particular, these cysts were found in the peritoneum which is an uncommon location.

METHODS

Between 1967 and 2007 a total of 34 patients were operated for primary or secondary peritoneal cysts. Most of the patients were asymptomatic or had atypical symptoms. The diagnosis was based on the preoperative history, rupture of the cysts, serology, ultrasound (USS) and computer tomography (CT). Open surgery was the procedure of choice with conservative (18 cysts) and radical (25 cysts) methods.

RESULTS

The outcome of surgery was good without postoperative mortality or severe morbidity and the recurrence rate was 23.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative surgery can provide good results in symptomatic peritoneal cysts. Radical therapy is also ideal but only in properly selected cases. The management of this situation is difficult requiring sound operative experience preferably with a one-stage procedure after an appropriate preoperative preparation.

Value of cyst localization to predict cystobiliary communication in patients undergoing conservative surgery with hydatid cyst

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the segmental localization of liver hydatid cyst by computed tomography (CT) and the presence of cystobiliary communication (CBC) and to identify the risk factors for CBC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and eleven of 163 patients who underwent liver hydatid surgery between January 2011 and September 2014 were included in this study and analyzed retrospectively. The size, number, stage, and segmental and lobar localization of the cysts were investigated by CT. The presence of CBC and preoperative laboratory findings were recorded from operation notes.

RESULTS

CBC was more frequent in single large cysts. CBC was most commonly detected in segment 1 (50%), 8 (48.3%), 7 (41.2%), and 4 (40%). CBC was more frequent in the right lobe (40.4%) and Gharbi stage 3 (41.8%) and 4 (55.6%) lesions. There were no differences in CBC according to distance from the hilus. In addition, preoperative total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) elevations were associated with higher CBC frequency (P<0.05). Cyst diameter, number of cysts, and ALP and GGT elevations were independent predictors of CBC presence.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of hydatid cyst diameter, morphological stage, and segmental and lobar localization by abdominal CT and measurement of preoperative cyst diameter, number of cysts, and ALP and GGT values may predict the presence of CBC.

Eosinophilia in Infectious Diseases

In determining the etiology of eosinophilia, it is necessary to consider the type of patient, including previous travel and exposure history, comorbidities, and symptoms. In this review, we discuss the approach to the patient with eosinophilia from an infectious diseases perspective based on symptom complexes.

Open surgery for hepatic hydatid disease

Hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus . Humans are an intermediate host and are usually infected by direct contact with dogs or indirectly by contaminated foods. Hydatid disease mainly involves the liver and lungs. The disease can be asymptomatic. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and computed tomography are used for diagnosis. The growth of hydatid cysts can lead to complications. Communication between bile duct and cysts is a common complication. The goal of treatment for hydatid disease is to eliminate the parasite with minimum morbidity and mortality. There are 3 treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy, and interventional procedures. Medical treatment has low cure and high recurrence rates. Percutaneous treatment can be performed in select cases. There are many surgical approaches for managing hydatid cysts, although there is no best surgical technique, and conservative and radical procedures are used. Conservative procedures are usually preferred in endemic areas and are easy to perform but are associated with high morbidity and recurrence rates. In these procedures, the parasite is sterilized using a scolicidal agent, and the cyst is evacuated. Radical procedures include hepatic resections and pericystectomy, which have high intraoperative risk and low recurrence rates. Radical procedures should be performed in hepatobiliary centers. The most common postoperative complications are biliary fistulas and cavity-related complications. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be used to diagnose and treat biliary system complications. Endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary stenting, and nasobiliary tube drainage are effective for treating postoperative biliary fistulas.

Risk factors of postoperative morbidity in patients with uncomplicated liver hydatid cyst

PURPOSE

To determine postoperative morbidity (POM) in patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated hepatic echinococcosis (HE) and determine associations with the variable POM looking for possible risk factors for POM.

METHODS

Nested case-control study. We included patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated HE in two hospitals in Temuco between 2000 and 2012. The main outcome variable was development of POM. Other variables of interest were hospital stay, mortality and recurrence. Surgical techniques used were pericystectomy and liver resection. Descriptive statistics and analytical statistics were applied using T-test, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare continuous variables; Chi(2) and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, and logistic regression models were used, estimating OR.

RESULTS

126 patients, median age 41 years, 61% female. The incidence of POM was 10.3%, with 76.9% Clavien grade I or II. The etiology was 6.5% and 4.1% of medical and surgical complications, respectively. There was no mortality and with a median follow-up of 83 months, recurrence incidence was 0.8%. Association was found between cases and controls and the variables age, alkaline phosphatase, cyst location and hospital stay. Applying regression models age (p = 0.002 and OR 1.07) and cyst location (p = 0.003 and OR 3.94) were found to be risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Observed POM is lower and of less severity than those previously published. Risk factors were determined.

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.

The role of emergency surgery in hydatid liver disease

Hepatic hydatid disease is very common in Libya. In Zliten hospital, we operated 400 patients with hepatic hydatid cysts over period of 20 years. All patients were symptomatic. Their ages varied from 3 to 85 years including 215 female and 185 male patients. Their symptoms varied from abdominal pain to abdominal mass 67 patients were admitted through Accident and Emergency Department with acute presentations including fever, skin rash, jaundice and shock with acute abdominal pain. Those 67 patients had necessary investigations, resuscitation and underwent emergency surgery. The hepatic cysts in all patients were excised, and the obstructive jaundice was cleared in those patients with obstructive jaundice. Unfortunately, one of the patients died two days after the surgery because of multiple organ failure (MOF) Morbidity was wound Infection, bile leak and recurrence rate were all reported in our series.

Is hepatic resection the best treatment for hydatid cyst?

BACKGROUND

Hydatid disease is a serious public health problem in endemic areas, and the management is controversial. Operative treatment is generally accepted especially in patients presenting complications. Our policy is to perform radical surgery and, whenever possible, anatomic hepatic resection. The purpose is to report our experience and results in the management of liver hydatid disease.

METHODS

Between January 1991 and December 2010, 97 patients were referred to our department for surgical treatment of hepatic hydatid cyst. Data were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three treatment groups: conservative surgery (CS), total pericystectomy (PC), and hepatic resection (HR). The main outcome measures were the mortality, morbidity, and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 45 years (range, 30-56 years). A total of 105 hydatid cysts were treated. Radical surgery was performed in 85 patients: major HR in 43 patients, minor HR in 9, and total PC in 33. CS was performed in 12 cases. There were no postoperative deaths, and the overall morbidity was 20 %. Postoperative morbidity in the HR group was 20 %. Minor (Grade I/II) and major (Grade III/IV) complications were comparable between groups (p = ns). No statistical difference in duration of hospitalization was observed between the CS and the HR group. One patient in the HR group developed a recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that surgical resection is not associated with much more postoperative and cyst cavity-related complications than the other groups. In addition, there was no mortality and a low recurrence rate.

Rupture of right hepatic duct into hydatid cyst

Echinococcal disease can develop anywhere in the human body. The liver represents its most frequent location. Hepatic hydatid cysts may rupture into the biliary tract, thorax, peritoneum, viscera, digestive tract or skin. We report a rare case with rupture of the right hepatic duct into a hydatid cyst in a woman with known hydatid disease and choledocholithiasis. The increased intra-luminal pressure in the biliary tree caused the rupture into the adjacent hydatid cyst. The creation of the fistula between the right hepatic duct and the hydatid cyst decompressed the biliary tree, decreased the bilirubin levels and offered a temporary resolution of the obstructive jaundice. Rupture of a hydatid cyst into the biliary tree usually leads to biliary colic, cholangitis and jaundice. However, in case of obstructive jaundice due to choledocholithiasis, it is possible that the cyst may rupture by other way around while offering the patient a temporary relief from his symptoms.

Refractory cystobiliary fistula secondary to percutaneous treatment of hydatid cyst: treatment with N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate embolization

A 27-year-old female with a type 2 hydatid cystic lesion in the liver according to the Gharbi classification (CE 3A according to the WHO classification) was referred for percutaneous treatment after albendazole treatment for 1 year. A catheterization technique was performed but hypertonic saline and alcohol were not given into the cavity due to cystobiliary leakage. During the 4-month follow-up period, sequential cavitography revealed biliary fistula, and bile-stained drainage had not been ceased despite the sphincterotomy, nasobiliary drainage catheter, and plastic stent. Since the patient refused to surgery, we embolized the biliary fistula using N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate for the first time in the literature. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient's course was uneventful and ultrasound, multidetector-row CT, and MRI examinations revealed no collection in or adjacent to the cavity.