This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver. BJS 2003; 90: 1536-1541.
Published: 3rd November 2003
Authors: N. Aǧaoǧlu (N. A. Mustafa), S. Türkyılmaz, M. K. Arslan
Background
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease that occurs throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical features and results of surgical treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts.
Method
One hundred and two patients operated on between 1991 and 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' demographic data, location, number and size of cysts, type of surgical procedure performed, morbidity, recurrences and duration of hospital stay were recorded.
Results
There were 74 male and 28 female patients with ages ranging from 15 to over 60 years. The most frequent symptom was abdominal pain. From the total of 136 hepatic cysts, 54 (39·7 per cent) were managed by cystostomy and drainage, 40 (29·4 per cent) by cystostomy and capitonnage, 16 (11·8 per cent) by cystostomy and omentoplasty, 24 (17·6 per cent) by cystectomy and two (1·5 per cent) by left lateral hepatic resection. Postoperative complications were more frequent following cystostomy with omentoplasty (six of 16 patients) compared with cystectomy (none of 18) (P = 0·005). Choledochotomy increased the length of hospital stay in patients having cystostomy and drainage (P = 0·021) and in those having cystostomy with omentoplasty (P = 0·028). Two recurrences were observed.
Conclusion
Surgery combined with medical treatment by albendazole is effective in the eradication of hepatic hydatid disease and in the prevention of local recurrence. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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