Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts.
Materials and methods: Thirty-one patients (19 female patients and 12 male patients; age range, 8-78 years; mean age, 41 years) with 57 liver hydatid cysts underwent percutaneous treatment. The cysts were treated with hypertonic saline (15% NaCl) and/or absolute alcohol. Sonographic and/or fluoroscopic guidance was used.
Results: Repeated sonography revealed a gradual decrease in cyst size. Volume reduction was 18%-99% (mean, 83%). With the disappearance of the fluid component, pseudotumor appearance occurred. In all treated cases, the cyst wall became irregular and thicker during follow-up. No mortality occurred. No abdominal dissemination was encountered during follow-up. Major complications were infection of the cavity, hypersensitivity reaction, and development of biliary fistula. One cyst recurred 11 months after primary drainage.
Conclusion: Long-term results indicate that percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts is an effective and safe method in selected cases.