Management of liver hydatid cysts – Current perspectives

Human hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval form of cestode Echinococcus granulosus still continues to a common problem in health care environments as different as Europe/North America and resource poor countries of the South America and the East. The Liver is the most frequently parasatized organ in humans. While ultrasonography remains the main diagnostic tool, computed tomography and serology improve the accuracy of diagnosis in Liver hydatid cysts (LHC). Although surgery is the only modality applicable over the entire spectrum of the disease, systemic chemotherapy and percutaneous drainage have evolved as alternative therapies in the last three decades. Various laparoscopic techniques have also been described for safe and optimal management of this entity. In this paper, we review the current management procedures of LHC with particular emphasis on the evidence base and setting specific problems.