Long-term results of surgical treatment of hydatid disease

Non-radical surgery is the preferred method of treatment of hydatid liver disease, and is associated with low mortality and recurrence rate. The purpose of the study is the retrospective analysis of the outcome of patients who were treated surgically in a single institution.

Between 1987 and 2005, 59 patients, mean age 58.2 +/- 15.9 (13-83) years, underwent surgery for liver hydatid disease. The patients were reassessed with physical examination, serological tests and radiological examination for the evaluation of the recurrence rate.

Most cysts were solitary, the more frequently affecting the right lobe of the liver. Radical surgery was possible in four cases (6.8%) that were classified as PNM stage I. Partial cystectomy and omentoplasty was performed in 37 patients (62.7%) and external drainage with partial cystectomy in 18 patients (30.5%). The hospital morbidity was 27.2% and was found to be related to ASA class (p = 0.019). Hospital mortality was 5.1%. The median follow-up time was 94 (1-228) months and 45 out of 59 patients (76.3%) were reassessed, but no recurrence was recorded. There was no significant difference in morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay between partial cystectomy combined with external drainage or omentoplasty (p > 0.05).

PNM staging seems to be a reliable tool in selecting patients with liver hydatid disease for non-radical or radical surgery. Omentoplasty is an easy and effective surgical method for the treatment of hepatic echinococcosis but is not different than partial cystectomy and external drainage in regard to morbidity, mortality, and recurrence.