The management of hepatic hydatid cyst cavity by overlapping

Long-term results utilizing the unroofing technique in treating hydatid cysts of the liver

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to present the long-term follow-up results of liver hydatid cysts treated with unroofing, together with a review of the related literature data.

METHODS

Of 700 liver hydatid cyst patients examined and treated at Selcuk University Meram Medical Faculty, General Surgery Department, between 1985 and 2007, 650 had accessible data and the unroofing method had been applied in 189 of them. The clinical and laboratory findings, stages, operations, and complications of patients treated with unroofing were reviewed. In particular, the resolution of residual cyst cavities over time after the application of this method was evaluated using computed tomography.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-six (67.07%) of the cases were female [mean age: 35 (range: 10-73) years] and 214 (32.9%) were male [mean age: 46 (range: 12-76) years]. Of the 189 cases treated with unroofing and followed by tomography, the data of 144 were documented. Cavities were classified into five groups (A-E) according to their postoperative appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Unroofing is an easy approach and it does not require extensive experience. This technique is recommended for peripherally localized cysts but may also be applied to those more deeply situated. Unroofing should be applied as deeply as possible and the residual cavity should also be as shallow as possible.

RF-Assisted Cystectomy and Pericystectomy: A New Technique in the Treatment of Liver Hydatid Disease

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF) energy has been used for ablation and resection of liver tumors.

PURPOSE

To present a new technique for the treatment of liver hydatid cyst disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two patients with liver hydatid disease treated with RF energy cauterization and surgical resection are presented. Cystectomy was performed in a female patient aged 35 years and pericystectomy was carried out in another female patient aged 55 years using RF energy cauterization. Blood was not needed during the operation. RITA System (RITA Model 1500 RF Generator, RITA Medical Systems, Inc., USA) was used during the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Cystectomy and pericystectomy in liver hydatid disease can be successfully performed with the assistance of RF energy.