Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage in the treatment of children with hepatic hydatid disease.

The present study was designed to establish the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage in the treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts in children. A total of 14 cysts in eight patients were drained under aseptic conditions and continuous ultrasound guidance. An 18-G needle was used for puncture and silver nitrate solution as the scolecoidal agent. All procedures were successful. During follow-up, repeated ultrasound examinations revealed a progressive decrease in cyst size and an alteration in the cyst echopattern. None of the patients had a rise in hydatid antibody titer. There were no immediate or late complications. We conclude that the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage are satisfactory for the treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts in children.