Endoscopic management of biliary hydatid disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of biliary hydatid disease.

DESIGN

A case study between January 1992 and December 1994.

SETTING

A university-affiliated hospital in Adana, Turkey.

PATIENTS: Five patients with biliary hydatid disease, in which the cyst had ruptured into the biliary tree. The follow-up ranged from 3 to 12 months.

INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity, morality and recurrence of the disease.

RESULTS

All patients underwent successful endoscopic sphincterotomy, including removal of daughter cysts. During the follow-up period, ultrasonography and laboratory investigations showed complete cure in all patients. There were no complications due to endoscopic sphincterotomy.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is the treatment of choice for the management of hydatid cysts that have ruptured into the biliary tract causing obstructive jaundice.