Laparoscopic Approach Versus Open Approach in the Treatment of Hydatid Cyst of the Liver, a Prospective Trial

Abstract

Background: Hepatic hydatid cyst has been traditionally managed by the open approach. Laparoscopy has provided an alternative approach for the open technique in many procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the laparoscopic approach versus the open approach in the management of the hepatic hydatid cyst.Patients and methods: A prospective study was conducted over three years including 30 patients suffering from hepatic hydatidosis. They were divided into two groups each 15 patients. One group was treated by open approach while the other laparoscopically. The two groups were compared in relation to the intraoperative bleeding, anaphylactic reaction, operative time, postoperative bile leak, infection and length of the hospital stay.Results: The mean time of the open approach (group I) was 111.33 minutes while in the laparoscopic approach was 96.73 minutes. One patient suffered from bleeding and another patient from reaction in the laparoscopic group. One patient suffered from bile leak and 3 patients suffered from postoperative wound infection in the open group. The length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group than the open group. Conclusion:The laparoscopic approach is safe and effective in the management of the hepatic hydatid cyst with less morbidity and shorter hospital stay.