A new instrument, the "Perfore-Aspirator" for laparoscopic treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver.

The authors introduce a new instrument functioning as both perforator and aspirator in the laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid cysts. Between January 1998 and January 2002, 11 laparoscopic cystotomy + partial cystectomy + drainage procedures were performed for eight consecutive patients. Eight of the cysts were located in the right lobe, and the remaining three in the left. The average diameter (+/-SD) of the cysts was 9.6 +/- 3.66 cm, and the mean age of the patients was 31.3 +/- 7.24 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography and/or computerized tomography. The procedure was performed with the help of three ports. The "perfore-aspirator" instrument (Bahadir Tibbi Aletler A. S., Samsun, Turkey) was introduced through the 10-mm trocar at the subcostal area, and the cystotomy procedure was done with success. Then, a partial cystectomy procedure was performed with the use of a grasper and scissors attached to an electrocautery device. The average hospitalization period was 5 +/- 1.69 days. No major morbidity or mortality was seen. All patients were treated with albendazole preoperatively and postoperatively.