Abdominal hydatid disease: long-term results of percutaneous treatment

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous treatment under sonographic guidance in abdominal hydatid cysts.

Fifty-two hydatid cysts in 33 patients were treated using a percutaneous approach under sonographic guidance. Forty-five cysts were located in the liver, 6 in the spleen, and 1 in the pancreas. Forty-nine cysts were type I, and 3 were type II. Thirty-one cysts in 15 patients were treated with puncture and aspiration of the contents, injection of hypertonic saline solution, and respiration (PAIR); 15 cysts in 14 patients were treated with puncture, aspiration of cyst contents, injection of hypertonic saline solution, drainage, and injection of sclerosing agent (PAIDS); and 6 cysts in 4 patients were treated with puncture, aspiration of cyst contents, injection of sclerosing agent, and re-aspiration (mPAIDS). Hypertonic saline or alcohol was used as a scolicidal agent. The follow-up period was between 17 and 53 months.

A decrease in the dimensions of the cysts, solidification of the contents, and irregularity in the walls of cysts, all of which were considered signs of cure, were found in all patients. Recurrence was observed in one case and anaphylaxis in one.

Percutaneous treatment of abdominal hydatid cysts is a safe, easily applicable, well-tolerated, and effective method.