Laparoscopic partial pericystectomy for a giant hepatic hydatid cyst in an 8-year-old child: a case report

Hydatid cyst of the liver is a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus. It is endemic in countries like South America, Africa, Asia, and China. Giant hepatic hydatid cysts are rare in children and carry a higher risk of complications. We report a similar case of a giant hepatic hydatid cyst in an 8-year-old child managed successfully with laparoscopic surgery.

An 8-year-old boy from a remote village of Nepal presented with fever, upper abdominal pain, and a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen for 6 months. Imaging revealed a giant hepatic hydatid cyst measuring 12.6 cm × 11.3 cm × 10.7 cm on the right lobe of the liver. The child underwent laparoscopic partial pericystectomy and recovered well. Postoperative albendazole therapy was continued, and there was no evidence of recurrence at 3 months of follow-up.

Hydatid disease commonly affects the liver in adults and lungs in children, with giant cysts posing a high risk of rupture, infection, and other complications. Imaging with ultrasonography and computed tomography is essential for diagnosis. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, with laparoscopic techniques offering faster recovery, smaller incisions, and fewer complications. Postoperative albendazole therapy and regular follow-up are crucial. This case highlights the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic partial pericystectomy in a child, even in resource-limited settings.

Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective option for managing giant hepatic hydatid cysts in children, even in resource-limited settings. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to reduce morbidity, mortality, and recurrence.