Laparoscopic Hydatid Cyst
Hydatid disease is common in the sheep-rearing areas of the world, mainly Australia, Turkey, Wales, and South America. The prevalence of hydatid disease among humans was determined as 9.1% in a World Health Organization study in the Central Peruvian Andes. The disease is not uncommon in Saudi Arabia, especially in the South Western region of the Peninsula. In humans, most hydatid cysts occur in the liver and 75% of these are single cysts. Other commonly involved organs are the lungs, spleen, and kidneys
We conclude that the laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts is feasible and safe. It combines the open surgical techniques of endocyst excision and partial pericystectomy with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Our patients benefited from immediate postoperative mobilization, early feeding, early discharge from the hospital and early return to work. Although 2 years is not long enough to say that no recurrences have taken place, we believe that the use of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative antiscolecidal agents helps prevent future recurrences.
Methods:
Ten patients with 12 hepatic hydatid cysts were treated with this technique. All patients received pre- and postoperative antiscolecidal medications. The laparoscopic technique consisted of partial aspiration of the cyst fluid and replacement of the aspirated fluid with 10% Betadine. The Betadine solution was left in situ for 10 minutes. Evacuation of the cyst contents was carried out with the liposuction device. The residual cavity was unroofed by partial excision of the ectocyst. A drain was left alongside the cyst. No intra- or postoperative complications were encountered.