Laparoscopic Management of Hydatid Cyst: A Series of 10 Cases

Background: Hydatid disease is an endemic parasitic disease in Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, Far East, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and East Africa. It is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, spread by carnivores (pets) with man acting as an accidental intermediate host. Hydatid cyst commonly affects liver followed by lung but rarely affects both organs. Here, we report a series of ten cases of Hydatid cyst, documented on ultrasonography with or without symptoms. Organs affected were liver, lungs, spleen and a rare presentation of inguinal cyst has also been reported. Aim and objectives: In the era of minimal invasive surgery, the aim was to evaluate safety and efficacy of laparoscopically managed hydatid cysts of liver, lung, spleen in our institutional experience. Methods: All the patients with the hydatid cyst who consented were then included in the study. Diagnosis was made after thorough clinical examination and radiological investigations. ELISA for anti- Echinococcus antibodies sshowed positive titres as well. Due to extensive involvement, patients were also started on medical treatment with albendazole continuing post-operatively for 4-6 weeks. Demographic data, operative time, intra-operative complications, duration of hospital stay and post op follow-up was done and recorded. Results: 10 patients underwent laparoscopic hydatid cyst draining with de-roofing and marsupilization of cyst, there were 6 females and 4 male patients with the mean age of 30 years. The average operative time was 45 minutes, no major complications were observed post operatively and mean hospital stay duration was 5 days. Conclusion: All the Cases showed significant improvement both clinically and radiographically upon laparoscopic man