Laparoscopic port-in-cyst technique for retrieval of hepatic hydatid and review of other techniques used in literature.

AIM: To describe a technique used for removal of hepatic hydatid cyst laparoscopically.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The removal of hydatid membranes was achieved by inserting a 10-mm port right above the cyst. The port is made to enter the cyst, and the membranes are removed without any contact to outer surface, thus avoiding peritoneal spillage.

RESULTS

The technique was used in 6 patients. Mean age was 3.5 years, range being. 2.5 to 6 years. Three patients had solitary cyst in the right lobe, and 2, in left lobe. One had multiple cyst involving both right and left lobes. Follow-up is of mean 6 months. There is no recurrence or evidence of new cyst owing to peritoneal seeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Safe extraction of hydatid membranes during laparoscopy can be done by directly placing the port within the decompressed cyst and removing the membranes with minimal use of suction. The port-in-cyst technique excludes any possibility of peritoneal seeding, during hydatid removal which may lead to metachronous recurrence in the peritoneum.