Infected Hepatic Echinococcosis: Results of Surgical Treatment of a Consecutive Series of Patients.

BACKGROUND

One of the progressive complications of hepatic echinococcosis (HE) is cyst infection and subsequent liver abscess of a hepatic formation (LAHO). To date, this entity has not been studied or reported on extensively. Traditionally, the issue has been addressed with cystectomy and drainage, but this is associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the results of surgical treatment in a group of patients with LAHO in terms of post-operative morbidity (POM).

METHODS

We describe a case series of 64 consecutive patients with LAHO treated at two medical centers in Temuco, Chile. General and liver laboratory parameters were determined, thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scans were performed. Study variables were POM, hospital stay, mortality rate, and recurrence. The minimum follow-up was three months, and clinical checkups were undertaken at months 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60. Descriptive statistics were applied.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were treated with a median age and cyst diameter of 51 years and 16 cm, respectively. Of the series, 57.8% were female. The median hospital stay was 8 days. General POM and mortality rates were 23.4% and 3.1%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 67 months, non-hydatid recurrences were observed.

CONCLUSION

The POM of LAHO is high, and the mortality rate is significant if we consider it a clinical entity within the context of a benign disease.