A complicated postsurgical echinococcal cyst treated with radiofrequency ablation

Surgery of hydatid cysts is often complicated with intrabiliary rupture (IBR), which if not recognized may lead to biliary fistula with rather high rates of morbidity and mortality. We report our experience with the application of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of an operated hepatic echinococcal cyst which was complicated with biliocystic communication and cysteocutaneous fistula with bile leakage. RF ablation was performed under CT guidance into the remaining cyst through the cutaneous fistula. Since ablation of the cyst and the fistula the patient has been asymptomatic.