Surgical management of hydatid liver cysts: A case report

Abstract

The discovery of huge and compressing cystic masses on the right liver, associated with right hypochondrium complaints usually presents a diagnostic and management challenge to the surgeon, especially in clinically high risky patients. In this paper we report a case of 65-year old female known diabetic and hypertensive patient presented at Lusaka University Teaching Hospital with chronic right hypochondriac pain and tenderness and was found to have a huge hydatid like cyst of the right liver. The diagnosis was based on the clinical abdominal and ultrasonography findings. The patient underwent a successful cystectomy with partial pericystectomy. The residual cavity was filled with an omental patch. 

This paper reviews the literature and discusses the pathogenesis, diagnosis and the surgical treatment of Hydatid liver cysts, emphasizing the role parasite cycle knowledge, ultrasound and CT scan findings, sterilisation of the cyst and preventive measures to be taken to avoid spread of the disease. The authors also discuss the role of intra-operative cholangiogram as well as the various means of dealing with the residual pericystic cavity.

Keywords: Hydatid cyst, Liver. Ecchinococcosis, Surgery, Abdominal pain