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Laparoscopic treatment of liver hydatid cystsBackground: Laparoscopic surgery is emerging as a useful alternative for the treatment of liver hydatid cysts. Aim: To report technical data, management protocols, costs and results of laparoscopic management of liver hydatid cysts. Material and Methods: Prospective analysis of 31 patients aged 5 to 73 years (17 females), with 40 cysts, operated between 2006 and 2009. All patients received albendazol for 15 days prior to surgery and for 2 months afterwards. Surgical technique consisted in the evacuation of parasite membrane, partial excision of prominent pericystic membrane and suture of biliary communications. Results: Sixty nine percent of cysts were uni-vesicular, 74% were unique and 68% were located in the right lobe. Surgical time was 80 min. Two patients were converted to open surgery and 24% had postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was six days. Patients were followed for 28 months and in 4% the cyst relapsed. No patient died. The mean cost of laparoscopic treatment was US$ 2.107. Conclusions: Laparoscopic technique is a useful surgical alternative for the treatment of liver hydatid cysts

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