Percutaneous treatment of giant abdominal hydatid cysts: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous treatment of giant abdominal hydatid cysts.

METHODS: In this study, 15 abdominal giant hydatid cysts were treated with the catheterization technique, which included puncture of the cyst, aspiration of fluid, instillation and respiration of hypertonic saline solution, and catheterization and sclerosant therapy with absolute ethanol followed by free drainage of the cavity. The catheter was removed when the daily drainage was less than 10 ml.

RESULTS: The goals, including inactivation of the parasite and elimination of the mass effect, were achieved in all patients. Catheterization required a mean of 32 days (range, 14-52 days) and hospitalization a mean of 8.73 days (range, 2-30 days). No evidence for recurrence was observed in any patient during a mean follow-up period of 52.8 months (range, 36-72 months).

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous treatment of giant hydatid cysts is effective because it eliminates both the mass effect and the parasite and alleviates the symptoms. Although the long catheterization time associated with the procedure is unfavorable, it is tolerated by the patients.