Effectiveness of endoscopic treatment modalities in complicated hepatic hydatid disease after surgical intervention

Hepatic hydatid cyst is a common disease in Turkey and the rupture of the cyst into the biliary tract is the most common complication which is difficult to detect and to manage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment modalities in hydatid cyst patients with biliary complications who had previously undergone surgery.

Over the last 8 years, by means of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), we have examined 87 patients with postoperative biliary symptoms who had previously undergone surgery for hepatic hydatid disease of the liver. Endoscopic treatment modalities were as follows: endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and nasobiliary drainage in patients with biliary fistula; balloon and or bougie dilation and stenting in patients with biliary stricture; and ES and balloon extraction in patients with residual hydatid material within the bile duct.

Findings from ERCP included biliary fistula in 55 patients (63.2 %), biliary stricture in 16 (18.4 %), and residual hydatid material within the bile duct in 14 (16.1 %). Two patients had normal findings on ERCP. In total, 85 patients were treated by means of endoscopic modalities. The time to closure of fistula was 17.8 +/- 5 days and the rate of fistula closure was 81 %. Biliary stenting was performed in 13 patients with biliary stricture. Endoscopic removal of hydatid material was achieved in 14 patients. The overall success rate of endoscopic treatment was 86 %, and a second surgical intervention was required only in six patients. No serious complication was encountered after endoscopic procedures.

Endoscopic treatment modalities are safe and helpful methods for the treatment of biliary complications of hepatic hydatid cyst in the postoperative period.