Conservative surgery in the treatment of hepatic hydatidosis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the morbidity, mortality and recurrence rate after a modified conservative operation in the treatment of hepatic hydatidosis.

DESIGN

Prospective open study.

SETTING

University hospital, Greece.

SUBJECTS: 67 Consecutive patients with hepatic hydatidosis, operated on between 1985 and 1990.

INTERVENTION: The liver was mobilised and abdominal cavity isolated with pads soaked in 15% saline solution. Hydatid fluid was aspirated from the cysts which were widely deroofed, sterilised with 15% saline, and then oversewn with a braided absorbable suture. Drains were left in place and a third of patients also had omentoplasty (n = 22).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity, mortality and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

One patient died (1%), 4 developed complications (6%), and there were 3 recurrences (6%). It made no difference whether an omentoplasty was added or not.

CONCLUSION

Conservative surgery achieves satisfactory results in the treatment of hepatic hydatidosis.