Success in managing a giant hepatic hydatid cyst: a case report of successful conservative surgical intervention in an endemic setting

Abstract

Echinococcosis, also known as a hydatid cyst, arises from a parasitic infection caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus in humans. This endemic disease in Tunisia presents a significant public health challenge. The case highlights the enormous size of the liver hydatid cyst, emphasizing the importance and success of conservative surgical treatment. A 45-year-old female shepherdess presented with abdominal pain and a mass, diagnosed as a giant hepatic hydatid cyst. A computed tomography scan revealed a dysmorphic liver with a large multivesicular cyst. Surgical intervention included the resection and closure of multiple cystic fistulas. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and at the 6-month follow-up, the patient displayed no indications of recurrence. Echinococcosis, prevalent in livestock-farming regions, primarily affects the liver and lungs. It often remains asymptomatic, detected incidentally. Diagnosis relies on imaging, with surgical excision as the primary treatment. Percutaneous options exist but are less effective. Serologies are underused. Management challenges include complications and recurrence. Conservative surgery is common but faces complications. Radical surgery is more effective, albeit complex. Albendazole preoperatively proves promising, reducing cyst viability. Regular follow-up is crucial for recurrence detection. Managing giant hepatic hydatid cysts requires tailored approaches, especially in endemic regions. Our success with conservative surgical treatment highlights its effectiveness in confronting formidable cyst sizes, informing clinical practice, and contributing to the medical literature.