Percutaneous Treatment of Liver Hydatid Disease

Hydatid disease is an endemic disease caused by infection with the larval cestode of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm, which affects many regions of the world. Hydatid disease can occur in various body parts, but is most commonly found in the liver, followed by the lungs. Patients with hepatic hydatid cysts may not experience any symptoms for years. They are usually detected incidentally when there is an increase in liver size or when the liver is imaged for other reasons. While clinical and laboratory findings can be helpful in diagnosis, it is primarily based on imaging findings. After reviewing the available literature, the management of liver hydatid cysts can be categorized into four primary groups: medical treatment, open or laparoscopic surgery, percutaneous treatment, and active surveillance. Although surgery is a classical treatment, studies have demonstrated that percutaneous treatment has a high cure rate and low complication, mortality, and recurrence rates.