Background
Although laparoscopy has become popular in the management of liver hydatid cysts, some surgeons still debate about the increased risk of complications with it. Herein, we report our experience with the laparoscopic management of this disease.
Patients and methods
This retrospective study included 25 consecutive cases diagnosed with liver hydatid disease by examination and laboratory and radiological investigations. The collected data included cyst size, site, number, operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and recurrence rates.
Results
The included patients aged between 25 and 50 years (mean=37.28). We included 15 men and 10 women. The performed procedures included deroofing and endocystectomy (48%), pericystectomy (24%), left lateral sectionectomy (16%), wedge resection (8%), and deroofing with endocystectomy and pericystectomy (4%). The mean operative time was 78.2 min, whereas intraoperative blood loss had a mean value of 53.6 ml. The duration of hospitalization had a median value of 3 days, and bile leakage was encountered only in three (12%) cases. All cases were resolved spontaneously.
Conclusion
Laparoscopy appears to be safe and efficacious approach for the surgical management of liver hydatid cyst disease. In experienced surgical hands, it is associated with low conversion rates, low incidence of postoperative complications, and low short-term recurrence rates.