Laparoscopic surgical techniques in patients with hepatic hydatid cyst

Objective The aim of this study was to describe in detail the laparoscopic treatment of patients with liver hydatid cyst. Method Seventy-six consecutive patients with 104 liver hydatid cysts were considered for laparoscopic treatment from October 2000 to October 2005. Results A laparoscopic surgical technique was used in all cases. The method involved treatment of the residual pericystic cavity and removal of the contents of the cyst. The operating time (mean ± SD) was 81 ± 9 minutes (range 40–120). Complications were observed in 5 patients (6.58%) after surgery. Sixty-eight patients (89.47%) were followed-up for a mean of 14 months (range 6–38). No recurrence was found in any of the cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.6 ± 1.0 days (range 6–15). Conclusions This laparoscopic hepatic hydatid surgical technique is a safe and effective method of treatment in selected patients. It can be a useful alternative for treating patients with liver hydatidosis.