Anaesthetic Management of Anaphylactic Shock Caused by Nonruptured Hydatid Cyst of the Liver

Hepatic hydatid cyst (HC) caused by Echinococcus granulosus is still endemic in many parts of the world, and it is a common health problem, especially in developing countries. The rupture of the HC can cause anaphylactic shock or even death during surgical treatment. We present a case report regarding anaphylactic reaction due to surgery to the liver for HC which has an aberrant venous drainage incidentally detected during surgical operation in a 50-year old female patient. She was successfully treated with adrenaline, antihistamines, steroids, colloid or crystalloid fluids. After the surgery, she was transferred from the intensive care unit to the surgical ward on the first postoperative day. The possibility of anaphylaxis should be kept in mind; despite all the precautionary measures, nonrupture of the hydatic cyst and absence of spillage of the cyst to the circulation or into the surrounding tissues, anaphylaxis can still occur. Therefore, close monitoring for early diagnosis and appropriate management of anaphylaxis are essential to stabilize the patient and produce the best outcome.