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Peritoneal echinococcosis
D D Karavias1, C E Vagianos, S K Kakkos
1Department of Surgery, University of Patras Medical School, University Hospital of Rion, Greece.
World Journal of Surgery
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Peritoneal echinococcosis is rare but significant, often accompanying liver disease. Surgery is the primary treatment, with medication an option for small, asymptomatic cysts.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Peritoneal echinococcosis is an uncommon manifestation of hydatid disease, despite its endemic prevalence.
- While liver and lungs are most frequently affected, peritoneal involvement, primary or secondary, is a notable clinical presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of peritoneal echinococcosis.
- To evaluate surgical and medical treatment outcomes for peritoneal echinococcosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records.
- Analysis of 121 patients with abdominal echinococcosis operated on over 12 years.
- Identification of 17 cases with peritoneal echinococcosis.
Main Results:
- Peritoneal echinococcosis was identified in 17 patients, frequently co-occurring with hepatic echinococcosis.
- Presenting symptoms were often atypical, with some cases incidentally found during follow-up.
- Surgery was the main intervention, with a role for anthelmintics in specific cases.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal echinococcosis requires careful consideration, especially in endemic regions.
- Surgical intervention is the mainstay for curative or palliative management.
- Anthelmintic therapy offers an alternative for small, asymptomatic cysts.