Laparoscopic radical and conservative surgery for hydatid liver echinococcosis: PSM based comparative analysis of immediate and long-term outcomes

Background The diffusion of laparoscopic radical surgery for hydatid liver echinococcosis remains limited. There are no published data on a comparative analysis of the immediate and long-term results of radical and conservative laparoscopic surgery for liver hydatid cysts. Comparison of the immediate and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic radical and conservative cystectomies was aimed. Methods HPB center (Center 1) and general surgery hospital in an endemic area (Center 2) participated in a retrospective study. Radical surgery included total, subtotal pericystectomy, and liver resection. Conservative surgery comprised cystectomy without/with partial pericystectomy. Results The total number of patients who underwent surgery for liver hydatid cysts was 213. Laparoscopic cystectomy was performed in 106 (50%) patients. This number included 47 radical laparoscopic cystectomy (Center 1). Conservative laparoscopic procedures were used in 59 patients (Center 2). Finally, twenty-seven pairs of patients were matched. Immediate outcomes were better for radical treatment in terms of severe morbidity, length of hospital stay, and time of abdominal drainage before and after PSM. The mean follow-up length was 23 (4-66) and 29 (6-66) months and the recurrence rate was 2% and 5% in groups of radical and conservative treatment respectively. No differences were found in 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease free survival. After second PSM for recurrence, 20 pairs were matched with no relapse of disease. Conclusion Laparoscopic radical surgery leads to the better immediate outcomes and can be recommended as the preferred treatment option in a specialized HPB center. Conservative option is justified in general hospitals in endemic area for selected uncomplicated cysts.