The results of surgical treatment for hepatic hydatid disease

Background: Hydatid disease is an important health problem worldwide and surgery remains the gold standard in terms of treatment for patients with echinococcosis of the liver. In this study we aimed to present our recent surgical experience in treating patients with hepatic hydatidosis. Patients and Methods: Fourty-eight patients with Liver Echinococcosis (LE) who were operated in our department between 2007 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. It was observed that cystectomy or hepatectomy had been preferred in certain patients with cysts of small size or subcapsular location. Results: There was no significant difference in the type of surgical procedures and early post-operative complications. Recurrence rates and mean duration of hospitalization were significantly lower in patients treated by radical procedures than the patients in drainage and obliteration group. Conclusion: Radical operations for hydatid cyst disease are safe methods and may be preffered in selected cases. Hippokratia 2011; 15 (4): 327-329