ABSTRACT

Surgery and percutaneous aspiration–injection–re-aspiration (PAIR) are widely accepted treatment modalities for hepatic hydatid cysts. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) acts as a minimally invasive rescue method for the biliary complications of both the hydatid cysts and treatment modalities. The aim of this study was to identify the role of different treatment modalities in the obliteration of hydatid cysts.

Patients treated for hydatid cysts between January 2009 and December 2013 were evaluated in the study. Data were collected from hospital records. All cyst cavities were evaluated by ultrasonography or computed tomography.

Ninety-five (40.4%) males and 140 (59.5%) females were included in the study. Before the procedures, the mean cyst diameter was 89.7±33.5 mm. At follow-up, the mean cyst diameter decreased to 53.2±30.1 mm. In the ERCP group, the mean diameter of the residual hydatid cyst cavity was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p=0.003).

ERCP provides faster cyst shrinkage and even disappearance of the residual cavity in 50% of cases. Moreover, in hydatid cysts with biliary communication, ERCP+ES can be safely used for primary treatment.

Keywords: Liver, hydatid disease, surgery, ERCP, PAIR