Changing paradigms in the surgical management of cystic liver hydatidosis improve the postoperative outcomes

Aim of the study: Our aim was to propose and examine the outcomes of a comprehensive strategy for the management of cystic liver hydatidosis (CLH) based on extensive intraoperative assessments and optimal management of cystobiliary communications.

Background data: Although operative intervention remains the preferred treatment for CLH, and the presence of a cystobiliary communication remains a well-established predictive factor for postoperative complications, no internationally accepted management strategy integrates the specific management of cystobiliary communication into the choice of surgical approach.

Methods: Early postoperative outcomes were compared before (1990-2004; P1 group; n = 664) and after (2005-2013; P2 group; n = 156) the implementation of a CLH surgical management strategy for CLH in our overall group of patients in subgroups selected by risk factors (as determined by multivariate analysis), and in 2 propensity score-matched groups.

Results: Specific complications related to the hepatic procedure (intraabdominal complications) were independently associated with the presence of ≥ 3 cysts (P = .013), a fibrotic pericyst (P = .005), a cystobiliary communication (P < .001), and the P1 treatment period (P = .002). Between P1 and P2 groups, the rate of specific complications decreased in the overall group of patients with CLH (18.3% vs 4.5%; P < .001). The rate also decreased in risk factor-based subgroups: patients with ≥ 3 cysts (31.0% vs 4.0%; P = .005), a fibrotic pericyst (23.1% vs 9.2%; P = .011), and a cystobiliary communication (33.0% vs 13.2%; P = .006). After propensity score matching among 123 well-balanced matched pairs of patients, the overall complication rate, specific hepatic surgery-related complication rate, and median duration of hospital stay decreased between the P1 and P2 groups: 23.6% vs 12.2% (P = .02), 21.1% vs 4.9% (P < .001), and 7 vs 5 days (P < .001), respectively.

Conclusion: Implementation of a CLH surgical management strategy based on specific intraoperative assessment and optimal management of cystobiliary communications improved early postoperative outcomes.