Hydatid cysts of the liver: TN(R)C classification.

BACKGROUND: Liver hydatid disease remains a serious public health problem. Its incidence is increasing but still there is no standardised protocol for assessment of the severity of the disease or for classifying the lesion in each individual case.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a new and maximally descriptive classification system that could help in better assessing the extent of the disease, both in primary and recurrent cysts.

DESIGN: Description of a newly created classification system.

SETTING: University hospital.

METHOD: Review of the literature and own observations.

RESULTS: Classification system describing T (topography of the cyst), N (natural history of the cyst), R (recurrent cyst) and C (complication of the cyst).

CONCLUSION: Consideration is given to almost all aspects of classifying liver hydatid cysts. A new concept for classification is presented which can become the basis for further multi-institutional comparison of data.