Occult intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cysts in the liver.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various surgical modalities directed at the cavity of hydatid cysts in patients with occult intrabiliary rupture. In this respect, 324 patients with hydatid cyst of the liver operated on during 1983-2003 were analyzed; among them, 39 patients with occult intrabiliary rupture were included in the study. Clinical symptomatology, physical examination, laboratory findings, results of imaging studies, the localization and size of the cyst, and operative findings were reviewed. Twelve patients had complications, and there was no mortality. The most common complication was bile fistula. The average postoperative hospital stay was 7.0 +/- 3.8 days for patients with omentoplasty and 6.0 +/- 2.5 days for those who underwent cavitary drainage. For patients who do not have bile-stained cystic fluid, the utilization of scolicidal agents is appropriate. Although the opening of the duct is sutured when it is identified, the risk of biliary fistula is not clearly correlated with this approach. In such cases, omentoplasty provides a good alternative to cavitary drainage.