Laparoscopic management in hydatid disease of liver: a series of 30 cases in Safeer Al-Imam Al-Hussain Surgical Hospital

Abstract

Background: Surgery is the main treatment for hydatid liver disease (HLD), focusing on removing the cyst and preventing parasite spread. Advances in laparoscopic surgery (LS) have improved treatment options, moving from simple drainage to more complex procedures like pericystectomy and hepatectomy. Laparoscopy offers benefits such as reduced morbidity, faster recovery, and better visualization of complications. However, it’s not suitable for all cases, such as large cysts, ruptured cysts in the biliary tract, or multiple cysts. Challenges include potential cyst fluid spillage and allergic reactions, though these are less common than in open surgery.

Aim of the Study: to evaluate the outcomes of LS for HLD specifically focusing on complications.

Methodology: a case series prospective study that was conducted in Safeer Al-Imam Al-Hussain Surgical Hospital/ Iraq/ Karbala for a period of 1 year and involved 30 patients that were treated laparoscopically for HLD.

Results: The mean age of the study sample (n=30) was 43.7, Females were more than males with M:F ration of 1:1.3, most of the study sample patients live in urban areas (63.3%), abdominal pain was the most common presentation, 21 patients (70%) had single cystic lesion, 5 patients had couple cysts (16.7%) and 4 patients (13.3%) had 3 cysts, The right lobe of the liver was the most common site of the cysts, successful LS was done for 26 patients (86.7%), 4 patients were converted to open surgery for various causes,

Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of HLD have the advantages of minimal invasiveness, shorter operative time and shorter hospital stay after surgery, still in some cases conversion to open surgery may be mandatory.