Surgical management of hydatid cyst disease of the liver: An improvement from our previous experience?

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Hydatid disease of the liver is a prevalent problem in endemic areas, and surgery plays an important role in resolution. Although laparoscopic treatment is on the rise due to its increased accessibility, there are some limits that need to be addressed.

Research motivation

This study highlighted our experience in terms of the laparoscopic approach over the last 12 years, as well as the differences between the current laparoscopic experience and the previous one. Our aim was to showcase the improvements of the laparoscopic approach as well as its current limits.

Research objectives

This retrospective study compared the differences between open and laparoscopic approaches in terms of demographic data, preoperative assessment, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative parameters, as well as follow-up, morbidity, and mortality, thus highlighting key aspects, differences, and the pearls and pitfalls of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of this disease.

Research methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients were divided into two groups, for which the differences were showcased based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The database consisted of all patients who had received surgical treatment for hydatid disease of the liver over an experience of 12 years.

Research results

Despite the fact that some of the exclusion criteria were dropped, there are still some issues regarding cyst location and cyst size that impose careful selection criteria. These selection criteria should be taken into account by inexperienced surgeons. Furthermore, some imaging criteria need to be instated in larger cysts.

Research conclusions

Based on our experience, the laparoscopic approach remains a safe, feasible approach which can be implemented in smaller volume centers, as long as some selection criteria are maintained. These selection criteria can be broadened; thus, more patients can benefit from this procedure, which accounts for better postoperative parameters, shorter postoperative hospitalization, and comparable morbidities and risks of recurrence with the open procedure.

Research perspectives

Based on our experience, the laparoscopic approach remains a safe, feasible approach which can be implemented in smaller volume centers, as long as some selection criteria are maintained. These selection criteria can be broadened; thus, more patients can benefit from this procedure, which accounts for better postoperative parameters, shorter postoperative hospitalization, and comparable morbidities and risks of recurrence with the open procedure.