Laparoscopic drainage of infected hydatid liver cysts

From October 1997 until March 1999, we performed this procedure in three patients suffering from suppurated echinococcal liver cyst. Trocar sites are approximately the same to those already known for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A thoracostomy tube is inserted through the abdominal wall and under direct vision is forced to the projecting part of the cyst for the aspiration of the gross content. The adventitia and thinned out liver are cut with electrocautery and scissors. A large bore fenestrated drainage tube is inserted within the cavity of the cyst and fixed in place. We did not have wound infection in any of the three patients. The average hospital stay was 19 days. No signs of recurrence or any other source of morbidity were apparent within the 18, 14 and 6 months of follow up of the three patients respectively.