MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATED HEPATIC HYDATID CYSTS

Endoscopic definitive treatment of liver hydatid cysts ruptured into bile duct

BACKGROUND

Intrabiliary rupture (IBR) is one of the most common complications of hepatic hydatid cysts (HHC),and the surgical treatment of major intrabiliary rupture (MIBR) leads to serious morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic definitive treatment of these patients.

METHODS

This study included 38 patients who underwent ERCP for MIBR between 2004 and 2022. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed, followed by evacuation of hydatid contents from the main bile ducts and cyst cavity. A nasobiliary drainage (NBD) catheter was placed inside the cyst cavity in 15 patients, while biliary stenting (BS) was performed in 23 patients. Demographic data, cyst characteristics, hospital stay, complications, treatment success, and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 46.5 years, with 12 female and 26 male. All patients had WHO-type-3B hydatid cysts with an average diameter of 7.9 cm. NBD was continued for definitive purposes in 13 of the 15 patients who underwent NBD, and full cure was achieved in 13 patients. Among the 23 patients who underwent biliary stenting (BS), 16 (69.5%) required a second ERCP due to jaundice or cholangitis, and 6 (26%) underwent percutaneous drainage due to hydatid cavity infection. The average length of hospital stay was 16.13 days in the BS group, while it was 8.3 days in the NBD group.The average follow-up period was 23 months. All patients achieved complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic approach is an effective and safe method for the treatment of MIBR, and can be considered as a definitive treatment option in centers with adequate resources and experienced endoscopists.

Surgical management of a hepatic hydatid cyst fistulized into the duodenum: A case report

Introduction and importance

Hydatid cyst of liver is a disease usually seen in endemic regions. Fistulization into duodenum is one of the most exceptional complications of the hydatid cyst commonly discovered during surgery. This paper aims to present and discuss a rare case of cyst ruptured into the duodenum. This case report has been reported in line with the SCARE criteria 2020.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old female patient, previously diagnosed with hydatid cyst of liver with deferred care due to the period of COVID 19 containment, presented with the complaints of abdominal pain and fever. Abdominal CT scan showed up a 2 cm multiseptal hydatid cyst in the segment III of the liver with an exovesiculation of 20 cm, communicating with the first duodenum. The patient underwent antrectomy involving the first duodenum and removing the cystoduodenal fistula with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. She was discharged with full recovery on the postoperative 5th day.

Clinical discussion

Clinical features of hydatid cyst fistulized into the duodenum are non-specific. There are two pathognomonic symptoms, hydatidemesis and hydatidenteria.Typically, cysto-duodenal fistula is intra-operatively discovered. The CT scan is the most used morphological examination. The presence of air in the cyst should alert for the gastrointestinal fistula formation. Surgical strategies to perform should be tailored to every patient and to intra operative findings. The post-operative morbidity and mortality are underestimated in the literature.

Conclusion

The fistulization of Hydatid cyst into the duodenum should be evoked in front of any acute abdominal pain whether or not associated with hydatidemesis or hydatidenteria.

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Hepatic hydatid cyst fistulized in the duodenum is a potentially fatal condition with non-specific clinical features.

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Hydatidemesis and hydatidosis are the two pathognomonic symptoms.

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Fistulized hydatid cyst in the duodenum is often infected and requires urgent surgical management.

A rare case: Spontaneous gastric fistula from a hydatid cyst of the liver

The hydatid cyst is a worldwide anthropozoonosis, which constitutes a health issue in Northern Africa. It may involve any organ, but it mostly affects the liver. This often asymptomatic disease can lead to multiple complications. Among them, spontaneous fistulization of a hepatic hydatid cyst in the stomach is exceptional even in endemic countries. We report the case of a 38-year-old female with febrile biliary colics due to a hydatid cyst of the liver fistulized in the stomach. The diagnosis was established based upon different clinical, biological and mainly radiological features. She received surgical treatment with satisfactory postoperative outcome.

A non-klatskin tumor: A case report and review of intrabiliary hydatid cyst rupture

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There’s no consensus on definitions & types of intrabiliary hydatid rupture.

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Original classification included either frank or occult rupture.

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Hydatid cyst rupture should always be ruled out as a cause of biliary obstruction.

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MRI may miss the diagnosis, and ERCP is valuable in diagnosis and treatment.

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Surgical removal of the mother cyst is essential for treatment.

Introduction

A 64-year-old lady was diagnosed with having a klatskin type 3A tumor based on imaging, however, an alternative diagnosis was achieved during surgery.

Presentation of case

We present a case of a 64-year-old lady who presented for new-onset jaundice and was diagnosed with type 3A klatskin tumor based on MRCP findings. During surgery, it was revealed that the obstruction was caused by a frank intrabiliary hydatid cyst perforation. Choledocoscopy with irrigation, cholangiography, and removal of the mother cyst were performed, and an end-to-end biliary anastomosis over a t-tube was then done. The patient tolerated the intervention and recovered well.

Discussion

Hydatid cyst disease of the liver usually follows a benign course, however, intrabiliary rupture is one of the common complications associated with this disease. Intrabiliary rupture is classified into either frank or occult. Frank perforation, which is more common, is when hydatid material passes into the biliary ducts, and it may cause biliary obstruction and cholangitis with a high mortality rate. Occult perforation is when the hydatid cyst becomes infected itself, which usually leads to a silent presentation, and may only cause signs of suppuration. Diagnosis is usually achieved by imaging and relevant history. Treatment consists of medical and surgical intervention. Intraoperative cholangiography, choledocoscopy, and t-tube drainage are recommended during surgery for frank rupture.

Conclusion

Intrabiliary hydatid cyst perforation can mimic cholangiocarcinoma and must be considered as an alternative diagnosis in these patients prior to surgery.

The Role of Prophylactic Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Prevention of Postoperative Bile Leak in Hydatid Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Bile leak is the main cause of morbidity and mortality after surgery for hydatid liver cysts. Aim was to assess the role of prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in reducing postoperative bile leak in patients undergoing partial cystectomy.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients with hepatic hydatid cyst met inclusion criteria, 27 were excluded or declined to participate. Twenty-six women and 28 men (mean age 44.6 ± 10.1, range: 22-61 years) were randomly assigned to either group I with ES (n = 27) or group II without ES (n = 27).

RESULTS

Demographics and clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of cysts were not statistically different between two groups. Group I had a significant decrease in bile leak rate compared with group II (11.1% versus 40.7%, P = .013), with significantly shorter duration of hospital stay (P < .0001). Biliary fistula in group I had significantly lower daily output (100 mL/day versus 350 mL/day) with gradual reduction till stoppage of leak in 3-4 days without intervention. Biliary fistula in group II had a significantly higher need for biliary intervention through postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with ES compared with biliary fistula in group I (^FEP = .002), with significantly longer mean time of fistula closure (P = .011) and longer time to drain removal (P < .0001). Nonbiliary complications were comparable between two groups.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic ES provides significant reduction in postoperative bile leak rate with shorter hospital stay after partial cystectomy of hydatid cyst. Biliary fistula in patients with ES has significantly lower daily output with shorter time of drain removal and shorter time to closure than patients without ES.

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.

Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of hepatic hydatid disease

Most cases of hepatic hydatid disease exhibit uncomplicated clinical course and management. However, the diagnosis and management of complicated hepatic hydatid disease is a special issue. One of the most common and serious complications of hepatic hydatid disease is the rupture of the cyst into intrahepatic bile ducts. The clinical appearance of intrabiliary rupture can range from asymptomatic to jaundice, cholecystitis, cholangitis, liver abscess, pancreatitis and septicemia. Current treatments for major ruptures can result in high morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, ruptures that cannot be diagnosed preoperatively can induce complications such as biliary fistulae, biloma, cavitary infection and obstructive jaundice. In the past, these complications were diagnosed and treated by surgical methods. Currently, complications in both the pre- and postoperative periods are diagnosed and treated by non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. In clinical practice, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is indicated for patients with preoperative frank intrabiliary rupture in which hydatid elements are clearly seen in the bile ducts, or for biliary adverse events after surgery, including persistent biliary fistulae and jaundice. However, controversy concerning routine preoperative ERCP and prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients suspected of having minor cystobiliary communications still remains. In this article, the role of ERCP in the diagnosis and management of hepatic hydatid disease during the pre- and postoperative periods is reviewed.

Management of a ruptured hydatid cyst involving the ribs: Dealing with a challenging case and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Hydatid liver cysts can rupture into neighboring structures in 15-60% of patients, and most often involves the bile duct, the bronchi, and the peritoneal/pleural cavities. Rarely, chest or abdominal wall involvement occurs that are challenging to manage. This case report and literature review describes the management of patients with chest wall and rib invasion.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 74-year-old woman, of Spanish origin, presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and tender localized swelling. On computer tomography (CT) assessment, the rupture of a hydatid cyst into the right anterior chest wall was identified. Partial involvement of the 10th and 11th rib were noted. The diagnosis was confirmed by a serological test. Surgical treatment involved a radical en bloc right hepatic resection together with resection of the involved ribs, diaphragm and subcutaneous tissue. Primary diaphragm and wall closures were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful with three weeks of albendazole treatment. CT follow-up at six months demonstrated the absence of recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Complete resection is the gold standard treatment of patients with hydatid cysts with the aim to remove all parasitic and pericystic tissues.

CONCLUSION

The present report illustrates that an aggressive surgical en bloc resection is feasible and should be preferred for the treatment of hydatid cysts with rupture into the chest wall, even when the ribs are involved.

Can occult cystobiliary fistulas in hepatic hydatid disease be predicted before surgery?

BACKGROUND

Biliary fistulas because of the cystobiliary communication is the most frequent and undesirable postoperative complication of hepatic hydatid surgery. We aimed to identify the predicting factors of the occult cystobiliary communication in this study.

METHODS

The patients who underwent surgical treatment for hepatic hydatid disease between 2003 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients who had jaundice history, preoperative high total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels, dilated bile duct in preoperative radiologic imagings were not included the study. Patients were divided into two groups: group A; without postoperative biliary fistula, group B; with biliary fistula. The two groups were compared according to preoperative descriptive findings, cystic specialties, and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

There were 53 patients and 15 patients in groupA and groupB, respectively. The 20 (37.7%) of 53 patients were male in group A and the 10 (66.7%) patients were male in group B (p<0.05). The age, number of cysts, Garbi scores of cysts, the rate of recurrent cysts, the level of preoperative bilirubin, alkalene phosphatase, and transaminases were similar in both groups (p>0.05). GGT was significantly different between two groups (p<0.05). The cystotomy + drainage, cystotomy + omentopexy, and intracystic biliary suture rates were similar in both groups. Postoperative non biliary complications were determined in 4 (7.5%) patients in group A and 7 patients (46.7%) in group B (p<0.05). Hospital stay was longer in group B significantly (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GGT as a laboratory [corrected] test for predicting occult CBC preoperatively have been shown to be useful in the clinical practice. However, larger prospective studies are needed on this subject. Occult cysto-biliary fistulas can only be exposed during surgery when suspected by a surgeon. If occult CBC is found, the opening in the biliary system should be sutured with absorbable material, with or without cystic duct drainage. If no biliary opening is found, cystic duct drainage may be performed if preoperative factors predict the presence of CBC. As the development of external biliary fistulas increases the morbidity and the hospitalization period, novel surgical methods to prevent the development of bile fistulas are required in such patients.

Asymptomatic occult cysto-biliary communication without bile into cavity of the liver hydatid cyst: a pitfall in conservative surgery

BACKGROUND

An occult cysto-biliary communication in liver hydatid disease is still a major problem in surgical practice. Radiologic and intraoperative findings may not be helpful to detect cysto-biliary communications in some asymptomatic patients with liver hydatid disease. Biliary leakage is a troubling complication that arises after conservative surgery in patients who have occult "insidious" cysto-biliary communications. We aimed to identify the factors which are associated with the risk of occult insidious cysto-biliary communications in patients preoperatively who developed biliary leakage after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated the records of 183 asymptomatic patients treated for liver hydatid cyst and analyzed potential predictors of occult insidious cysto-biliary communication, retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 115 female and 68 male patients; the mean age was 42.3 years. Occult insidious cysto-biliary communications which presented as postoperative biliary leakage found in 24 (13.1%). Independent clinical predictors were alkaline phosphatase >133 U/L, total bilirubin levels >1.2 mg/dL, white blood cell count >10,000/mm(3) and cyst diameter >10 cm on multivariate analysis. Seventeen of 24 were low output biliary fistula which resolved spontaneously within 9.2 days. The remaining 7 were high output biliary fistula for which endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in all patients, fistulas resolved within 22.6 days. Average interval between endoscopic sphincterotomy and fistula closure was 10.3 days. Mean hospital stay was longer in patients with biliary leakage than in those without (9.8 vs. 4.2 day p<0.001). There was no hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

The predictors demonstrated in this study should allow the likelihood of occult insidious cysto-biliary communication to be determined and, thus, indicate the need for additional procedures during operations to prevent the complications of biliary leakage.

Occult cystobiliary communication presenting as postoperative biliary leakage after hydatid liver surgery: are there significant preoperative clinical predictors?

BACKGROUND

Occult cystobiliary communication (CBC) presents with biliary leakage, if the cystobiliary opening cannot be detected and repaired at operation. We investigated the clinical signs associated with the risk of occult CBC in the preoperative period by studying patients who developed biliary leakage after hydatid liver surgery.

METHODS

We analyzed the records of 191 patients treated for hydatid liver cyst. Postoperative biliary leakage developed in 41 patients (21.5%). Independent predictive factors were established by logistic regression analysis using clinical parameters, whose cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Postoperative biliary leakage presented as external biliary fistula in 31 (75.6%) of 41 patients, as biliary peritonitis in 6 (14.6%) and as cyst cavity biliary abscess in 4 (9.8%). Independent clinical predictors of occult CBC, represented by biliary leakage, were alkaline phosphatase > 250 U/L, total bilirubin > 17.1 micromol/L, direct bilirubin > 6.8 micromol/L, gamma-glutamyl transferase > 34.5 U/L, eosinophils > 0.09 and cyst diameter > 8.5 cm. Multilocular or degenerate cysts increased the risk of biliary leakage (p = 0.012). Postoperative complication rates were 53.7% in the patients with biliary leakage, and 10.0% (p < 0.001) in those without. The mean postoperative hospital stay was longer in patients with biliary leakage (14.3 [and standard deviation {SD} 1.9] d) than in those without (7.3 [SD 2.3] d) (p < 0.001). Nineteen (61.3%) of 31 biliary fistulae closed spontaneously within 10 days. The remaining 12 (38.7%) fistulae closed within 7 days after endoscopic sphincterotomy.

CONCLUSION

Factors that predict occult CBC due to hydatid liver cyst were identified. These factors should allow the likelihood of CBC to be determined and, thus, indicate the need for additional procedures during operation to prevent the complications of biliary leakage.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst

BACKGROUND

Hydatid disease affects most commonly the liver, and rupture into the bile ducts is a frequent complication, occurring in 5% to 25% of cases. These complications can cause major clinical problems either preoperatively or postoperatively with post-resectional abscess or prolonged biliary fistula. We reviewed our experience with preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and the diagnosis of major cyst-biliary fistula.

METHODS

During a 7-year period, 78 patients underwent surgery for hepatic hydatid disease. Ten patients, in whom a major intrabiliary rupture of the cyst was suspected on the basis of clinical and radiological criteria, underwent preoperative ERC, with clearing of the biliary tree. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 7 cases when the fluid contained daughter cysts or pus. Three patients, in whom the biliary content was fluid only, did not undergo sphincterotomy. One patient in whom a preoperative ERC was not feasible underwent operative transduodenal sphincterotomy. In all 11 patients the cyst was resected. Two patients underwent preoperative ERC, but no fistula was detected . They were compared with the remaining group of 67 patients who underwent resectional surgery during the same period, for apparently uncomplicated echinococcal cysts, and with an historical group of 569 patients operated on from January 1966 to January 1995.

RESULTS

According to the clinical and radiological preoperative criteria, there were 2 false positives. Preoperative ERC allowed visualization of the fistula, clearing of the biliary tree, and sphincterotomy in selected cases. The incidence of postoperative fistula was significantly decreased after the introduction of selective preoperative ERC, on the basis of preoperative clinical and radiological criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative ERC is very helpful in patients with cyst-biliary fistula, allowing visualization of the fistula and drainage of the biliary tree, and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications from 11.1% to 7.6%. In selected cases it can solve the problem, without further surgical therapy.

Intrabiliary rupture: An algorithm in the treatment of controversial complication of hepatic hydatidosis

AIM: Intrabiliary rupture (IBR) is a common and serious compli-cation of hepatic hydatid cyst. The incidence varies from 1% to 25%. The treatment of IBR is still controversial. We aimed to design an algorithm for the treatment of hepatic hydatidosis with IBR by reviewing our cases.

METHODS: Eight cases of IBR were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to age, sex, clinical findings, cyst number and stage, abdominal ultrasonography and CT-scan, surgical methods, complica-tions, results and coincidental diseases.

RESULTS: Female/male ratio was 1/7. Mean age was 52.12±18.26 years (range 24-69 years). Right upper quadrant pain, flatulence, palpable hepatic mass were symptoms common in all patients. Cholestatic jaundice was found in four cases. In all patients, cyst evacuation and omento-plasty were performed, followed by either choledochod-uodenostomy, T-tube drainage, intracavitary suturing of the orifice, two cases in each. Whereas in two patients diagnosed post-operatively percutaneous drainage of biliary collection or ERCP and sphincteroplasty were added. Morbidity and hospital stay were higher in these cases.

CONCLUSION: When the diagnosis of IBR can be done pre-or intra-operatively, morbidity decreases. If a biliary fistula is seen post-operatively, endoscopic procedures such as ERCP, sphincteroplasty or nasobiliary drainage can be applied.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of postoperative biliary fistula A complication of hepatic hydatid disease

BACKGROUND

Intrabiliary rupture is the most common complication of hepatic hydatid disease (HHD), and persistent biliary leakage is the most frequent complication after surgery for HHD. In this study, we evaluated the outcome of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) performed in the management of postoperative biliary fistula in 33 patients with HHD and investigated the effects of the daily output of the fistula and the timing of the ES on the duration of the fistula.

METHODS

Between January 1994 and April 2000, 33 patients (20 female, 13 male; median age, 44 years; range, 17-72) underwent ES at our clinics. The daily output of the biliary fistula ranged from 100 ml to 1000 ml (mean, 430 ml; in 18 patients < or = 400 ml; in 15 patients, >400 ml). The interval between the occurrence of the fistula and the performance of the ES ranged from 7 days to 5 months (median, 20 days; in 12 patients, < or = 2 weeks; in 21 patients >2 weeks).

RESULTS

In patients with fistula output 400 ml (n = 18) and >400 ml (n = 15), the average closure times for the fistula after ES were 10.7 +/- 4.5 and 10.4 +/- 4.9 days, respectively (t-test: p = 0.847, t = 0.195). In patients (n = 2) with a short interval between the occurrence of the fistula and ES (<2 weeks), the average closure time for the fistula was 11.6 +/- 5.6 days, whereas for the patients (n = 15) with longer intervals (>2 weeks) it was 9.4 +/- 3.9 days (t = test: p = 0.254, t = 1.180). The drainage from the fistula stopped after an average of 9.88 +/- 4.83 days in all patients who underwent ES, and there were no any complications. Pearson's correlation test (PC) showed no significant relationship between the time for the complete closure time of the fistula after ES and the fistula output (PC=-0.253, p=0.155) or for the duration of the fistula before endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) (PC = -0.333, p = 0.058).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is safe and effective and should be considered the minimally invasive procedure of choice for the management of postoperative biliary fistula due to HHD because it obviates the need for reoperation. If the sphincterotomy is successful, neither the daily output not the duration of the fistula has any influence on the time required for complete closure of the fistula.

Subcutaneous rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst

Hepatic hydatid cysts are common entities. We present an unusual case of a hepatic hydatid cyst which had ruptured into the subcutaneous tissues of the anterior abdominal wall. The possible causes, imaging features and recent literature are reviewed.

Resolution of hydatid liver cyst by spontaneous rupture into the biliary tract

Among the complications of hydatid liver disease, spontaneous cyst rupture into the biliary tract is unusual, occurring in 3.2-17% of cases. Its endoscopic management has been reported rarely, and corresponding complete photodocumentation is unique. Such a case is described and comprehensively illustrated in a 48-year-old immunocompromised man, presenting with upper abdominal pain, obstructive jaundice, and fever. Impaction of hydatid material into the common bile duct and the papilla of Vater was relieved endoscopically, and the patient was consecutively treated with two courses of mebendazole. This management resulted in complete clinical resolution of hepatic hydatosis after 8 months of follow-up. Complications of overt cyst perforation may be allergic, obstructive, secondary infectious, or metastatic. Ultrasound and computed tomography are complementary tools for diagnosis of hepatic echinococcosis, with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography being the "gold standard" in confirming rupture into the biliary system. Laboratory results are usually non-specific. While surgical excision is the treatment of choice, selected patients may primarily be managed endoscopically, followed by anthelminthic therapy.

Anaphylactic shock due to rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst into a pericystic blood vessel following blunt abdominal trauma

Partial drainage of a hepatic hydatid cyst into a pericystic blood vessel caused anaphylactic shock following minimal blunt abdominal trauma in a child. A case report including diagnostic procedures and treatment is presented.

Choledochoduodenostomy for intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cysts of liver

Frank intrabiliary rupture is an important complication of liver hydatid cysts and its incidence is between 5 and 25 per cent. The main principles of management are the surgical treatment of the cyst with removal of all cystic elements and drainage of the biliary tree. Accurate pre- and intra-operative diagnosis and permanent drainage of the biliary tree by a wide choledochoduodenostomy are important to reduce morbidity and mortality. In this report 28 cases of frank intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cysts treated by choledochoduodenostomy are presented.

Hepatic hydatid disease in Libya

A series of 50 patients with hepatic hydatid disease all treated at the Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya is presented to show the advantage of ultrasonography in pre-operative diagnosis and the advantages of complete resection or omentoplasty compared with removal of the endocyst and drainage.

Diagnosis and management of hydatid disease of the liver. A 15-year North American experience

Since 1967, 40 patients with hydatid disease of the liver have been treated at our hospital. Diagnosis was made using clinical criteria, serology, skin tests, and imaging techniques. Thirty-five patients were operated upon. In 18 patients the cyst was uncomplicated (Group I), and in 17 the cyst was infected or communicated with the biliary tract (Group II). Three forms of surgical treatment were used: A) cyst evacuation, scolicidal irrigation, and primary cyst closure, B) evacuation, irrigation, and external drainage, and C) complete or partial cyst resection. Mebendazole was used in six patients, four of whom were also treated surgically. In Group I, one of 11 patients (8%) treated by primary closure had complications, versus four of five patients (80%) treated with external drainage (p less than 0.001). Mean postoperative hospital stay for these two groups was 11.8 versus 20.8 days, respectively (p less than 0.001). Complication rates in Group II were higher, and were evenly distributed among treatments. Patients have been followed yearly, with a median follow-up of 5 years. Active hydatid disease has been found in three patients, who all had known residual disease at initial operation. The best treatment for an uncomplicated hydatid liver cyst is evacuation, scolicidal irrigation, and primary closure. External drainage is used for infected cysts or those communicating with the biliary tract, and excision for extrahepatic and peripheral, easily resectable cysts. Mebendazole is used for intraperitoneal spillage of cyst contents and in patients with inoperable disease.

Hepatobronchial fistula caused by hydatid disease. The Dunedin experience 1952-79

Despite intensive hydatid control measures in New Zealand, hepatopulmonary fistula resulting from infection by the echinococcus granulosus still occurs. Although the patients may quickly become debilitated from coughing bile and pus and associated septic complications, appropriate surgical therapy is usually effective. The exact diagnosis may be obscure, but it is helped by a high index of suspicion. A retrospective study of eight patients seen over a 27-year period is presented, and principles of management are outlined. Where biliary hypertension is not present adequate evacuation of the intrahepatic cysts, obliteration of the cyst space, freeing of the adherent lung, and closure of the pulmonary fistula(e) usually give satisfactory long-term results. Pulmonary lobectomy or segmental resection is seldom required.

Bronchobiliary fistula due to hydatid disease: a case report

A case of bronchobiliary fistula due to transdiaphragmatic rupture of hepatic echinococcal cyst is described. The importance of excluding associated extrahepatic biliary obstruction is emphasized. Successful treatment involves relief of this obstruction as well as management of both the pleural space and pulmonary complications.

Intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver

Infestation with Echinococcus granulosus is common in Iraq, where a close relationship exists between dogs, the carnivorous definitive hosts, and sheep, the herbivorous hosts of the parasite. Plants contaminated by eggs of the tapeworm passed in the dog's faeces may be ingested by man, giving rise to hydatid disease. Of 136 cases of hydatid disease affecting various tissues and organs studied and treated during a 3-year period, the liver was involved in 94; intrabiliary rupture occurred in 15. Pain, hectic fever, and obstructive jaundice were invariable in these 15 cases but biliary obstruction became complete in only 7. A palpable mass in the liver was present in 10 cases. Mistaken preoperative diagnoses were made in 4 cases before the true nature of the disease was determined. In the light of our experience four main guidelines to operative management may be formulated: First, the mother cyst, daughter cysts, and debris must be evacuated. Second, the common bile duct must be explored and cleared of daughter cysts, membranous shreds, and hydatid stones and the ampulla of Vater must be dilated; however, sphincterotomy is rarely necessary and should not be performed as a routine. Third, unless there is clear evidence of inflammation or daughter cyst or stone formation in the gallbladder the organ should be preserved, since it may prove useful for future bypass procedures. Finally, the residual cavity of the mother cyst must be drained.

Intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver

In a series of 136 cases of hydatid disease affecting various tissues and organs admitted to one surgical unit in the Medical City Hospital, Baghdad, and personally studied and treated by the author, the liver was involved in 94 cases (69-1 per cent) and intrabiliary rupture occurred in 15. Pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant associated with tenderness and rigidity, radiating to the back and right, shoulder, was the presenting feature in almost all the patients. Hectic fever was present in 14. Obstructive jaundice developed in all the patients at some stage of the illness, but was complete with clay-coloured stools in only half. Chills and rigors were present in 67 per cent, eosinophilia in 40 per cent, a positive Casoni's test in 87 per cent, itching with urticaria and weal formation in 20 per cent and a palpable mass in the liver in 67 per cent of cases. Operative treatment is mandatory in order to clean the mother cyst of hydatid membranes, debris and daughter cysts, to explore and clear the common bile duct and to ensure free biliary passage to the duodenum. Sphincterotomy is neither necessary nor advisable, and when the gallbladder is not invaded by the cyst it should be preserved.

A review of echinococcal disease

Echinococcal infestation, although still a rare occurrence in most of the United States, is being seen with increasing frequency. Three cases of hepatic echinococcosis are described. A review of the salient features of the disease is presented along with various aspects of diagnosis and therapy.

Intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver

One hundred and fifty cases of hydatid cysts affecting different organs were studied and of these 78 cases were hepatic. Intrabiliary rupture is the commonest complication and was found in 32 cases.

The greatest incidence is at about 40 years of age. Males are affected more than females.

The clinical presentation of occult intrabiliary rupture with suppuration is described and the source of infection of the cyst is proved to be biliary in origin.

Jaundice which is obstructive might develop and a convenient term, “hydatid jaundice”, is suggested.

Evaluation of various surgical procedures for the management of such cases is discussed.