Effect of hypertonic saline and alcohol on viability of daughter cysts in hepatic hydatid disease.

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy of hypertonic saline (20%) and absolute alcohol on the integrity of daughter cysts and the viability of the protoscoleces contained in these cysts.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, Turkey.

MATERIAL

80 daughter cysts obtained from two patients with Gharbi type III hydatid cysts of the liver.

INTERVENTIONS

The cysts were divided into two groups, in the first of which cysts were placed into hypertonic saline and in the second into absolute alcohol; they were kept there for 5, 15, 30 or 60 minutes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Integrity of the cyst wall and viability of the contents were evaluated using a vital staining technique with 0.1% eosin.

RESULTS

Neither hypertonic saline nor absolute alcohol solution had any effect on the integrity of the daughter cysts or the viability of the protoscoleces.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous drainage of type III hydatid cysts can lead to high recurrence rates.