Abstract:

Hepatic hydatidosis is a benign, chronic parasitic disease that can affect many organs. The disease is usually asymptomatic, but the cysts that develop as a result of the disease can reach large sizes. We aimed to compare large hydatid cysts (>10 cm) and multiple cysts (>4) in giant hydatid cysts of liver in terms of demographic structure, recurrence, complications, diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A total of 15 out of pool of 62 patients were enrolled in the study and placed into two groups: Group 1 included patients with a cyst diameter larger than 10 cm (n=12) and Group 2 included patients with more than 4 cysts (n=3). The two groups were retrospectively compared in terms of age, sex, demographic structure, recurrence, complications, morbidity and mortality, diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: In Group 1, the patients’ mean age, BMI, diameter of cyst and hospitalization time, were 39.5 years, 25.5 kg/ m2, 11.75 cm, 9.8 days and 21.4 months, respectively. In Group 2, the patients’ mean age, BMI, number of cysts and hospitalization time were 44.7 years, 27.7 kg/m2, 8.3 cysts, 8.6 days and 17.1 months, respectively (p>0.05). In Group 1, 1 patient had a wound infection (1.6%) and 1 patient had an intraoperative hemorrhage (1.6%). In Group 2, 2 patients had recurrence (3.2%). A significant difference was detected between groups in terms of recurrence (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: Rarely seen, giant hydatid cysts may cause secondary infection or fistulization into several organs, and it can open into the peritoneal cavity or place pressure on adjacent organs and structures, which leads to obstructive jaundice. Morbidity, mortality and cost can increase should these potential results of giant hydatid cysts occur. This study demonstrated the resulting high rate of cure and low morbidity and complications that were able to be achieved using conservative surgical treatment methods for hydatid cysts.

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