Intracystic infection of liver hydatidosis.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The aim of this study was to review the clinical presentation and management of patients with intracystic bacterial infection in liver hydatidosis.

METHODOLOGY: The records of 480 patients suffering from liver hydatid disease treated at our institution were reviewed. Only 42 patients fulfilled intracystic bacterial infection criteria. We assessed the incidence, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic procedures and surgical approach in these cases.

RESULTS

The incidence of intracystic bacterial infection was steady throughout the study period. Clinical and laboratory data are non-specific. Diagnostic procedures for intracystic bacterial infection, including liver computed tomography scan, are of limited value. Although both, radical and non-radical surgical approaches, were used in these patients, mortality was associated with non-radical surgery. The morbidity rate was high regardless of the procedure used.

CONCLUSIONS

Our current goal in the management of intracystic bacterial infection, if overall condition of the patient is good, is to carry out a total or subtotal cystectomy in order to avoid mortality and hydatid disease relapses.