[Protoscolecides in the surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis--myth or reality]

Traditionally protoscolicidal agents have been used during conservative surgery for cystic liver hydatidosis to sterilize the cyst cavity and to avoid dissemination. Many surgeons questions the effect of the procedure due to lack of objective data and possible complications for their use. Recently introduced minimally invasive techniques--percutaneous (PAIR), endoscopic and laparoscopic--have reestablished the need for the evaluation of protoscolocidal agents.