Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver: A single center experience

Objectives : The surgical treatment of hydatid cyst varies from simple puncture and aspiration to radical resections and total cystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare outcome of different surgical treatments of liver hydatid cysts in our center. Methods : This retrospective study included 33 patients who were operated for hydatid liver disease between 2010 and 2015. During that period radical surgery (pericystectomy or hepatic resection) was performed in 15 patients, while 18 patients underwent conservative surgery, including endocystectomy and drainage procedures. Data collection included demographic variables, diagnostic methods, surgical procedures, and morbidity and recurrence rates. The diagnosis was in the most cases set by ultrasound evaluation and CT scanning. Results : The mean age of patients who underwent surgical treatment was 47.09±13.57 years, with 45.5% of men. The majority of respondents had hydatid cysts classified as CE2 (60.6%). More patients had hydatid cyst localized in the right lobe of the liver (48.5%). Multiple cysts (2-4) had 36.4% of patients. Length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the group treated with radical surgical procedure in comparison with conservative surgery (9.67±3.39 vs. 14.44±6.68 days, p=0.01). The overall rate of recurrence was 3% and observed only in the conservative surgery group (5.6%). Conclusion : Radical surgery (pericystectomy or hepatic resection) and conservative surgery (endocystectomy and drainage procedures) are safe treatments for hydatid cysts of the liver. Radical surgery of liver hydatid cyst can be performed with lower rate of recurrence. Keywords : hydatid cyst, surgery treatment