Current Treatment of Hydatid Liver Disease: Surgical Perspective

Abstract

Hydatid liver disease is endemic in certain parts of the world. However, easy travel and greater population mobility, make encountering this disease more likely in any part of the world. Although, majority of cases are asymptomatic, symptoms may develop as a result of pressure or complications such as rupture or infection with abscess formation. The diagnosis is made by history, blood tests including serological tests and imaging studies especially CT scan. Treatment can be either medical with anti-helminthic chemotherapy, percutaneous aspiration irrigation and re-aspiration under radiological guidance or surgery (either conventional or laparoscopic intervention). This mini-review summarizes the treatment of hydatid liver disease from surgical perspective.