Laparascopic Surgery for Liver Hydatid Cysts in Child

Hydatid disease remains an important medical problem. Surgery is an important option in the treatment of hydatid disease. In this report we present the laparoscopic managements for 14 liver hydatid cysts in 12 children. The average age was 11 years. In three hydatid cysts, perforator-grinder aspirator was used. In eleven cysts, the cyst fluids were aspirated, 20% saline injected into the cavity, and after 15 minutes solution aspirated. The cysts were excised partially, germinative membranes and capsules were taken out in an endobag. The average duration of postoperative hospitalization was 12 days (3-30 days). There were three cystobiliary fistulas. One fistula was treated with laparoscopic segmentectomy at 20th postoperative day. Other fistulas healed spontaneously. The median follow-up period was 15 months (1 month- 7 years). The cysts have disappeared between 1-6 months, leaving small echogenic appearances at their original locations on USG. Although the number of patients in this series was small, we thought that same operation can be performed using laparoscopy and the similar results can be achieved as with laparotomy with excellent cosmesis and potentially less morbidity.