Albendazole therapy of hydatid disease: 2-year follow-up of 40 cases

Forty patients with 63 Echinococcus granulosus cysts affecting different sites were treated with albendazole and have been followed up for at least 24 months from completion of therapy. Twenty-one patients (53%) with 37 cysts (59%) showed evidence of healing. The criteria and pattern of healing are outlined. The most serious complication of albendazole therapy was hepatoxic jaundice, which occurred in 5% of patients. Recurrence during the observation period was encountered in 9.5% of patients with a positive response. It is suggested that patients suffering from uncomplicated hydatid disease should be given the benefit of a trial course of albendazole therapy, before surgery is undertaken.