Multicenter retrospective study on advancements in diagnosis and laparoscopic treatment of hepatic echinococcosis in Xinjiang China

With the advancement of precise hepatobiliary surgery concepts, the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for hepatic echinococcosis have undergone significant transformations. However, whether these changes have correspondingly improved patient outcomes remains unclear. A retrospective analysis of these changes will provide crucial guidance for the prevention and treatment of hepatic echinococcosis. Clinical data from 6 hospitals in Xinjiang region of China from January 2009 to December 2023 were collected and systematically random sampling was conducted. The study was divided into the first stage (2009-2013), the second stage (2014-2018), and the third stage (2019-2023) with a 5-year time node to compare the changes in diagnosis and treatment mode and clinical features. There was no significant difference in the age of onset among patients across different phases (P = 0.759). The frequency of open cystectomy gradually decreased [302 (62.3%), 223 (53.0%), 165 (55.7%), P = 0.015], while the rate of total cystectomy increased steadily [82 (16.9%), 88 (20.9%), 94 (23.7%), P = 0.040]. The proportion of patients admitted due to screening also increased [367 (75.7%), 373 (88.6%), 364 (91.9%), P < 0.001]. Preoperative imaging techniques evolved from being singular to diversified. Postoperative recurrence rates declined over time [89 (18.4%), 53 (12.6%), 32 (8.1%), P < 0.001], as did the incidence of grade C bile leakage [88 (18.1%), 51 (12.1%), 20 (5.1%), P < 0.001]. However, the incidence of intraoperative bleeding ≥ 800 ml showed an upward trend [39 (8.0%), 53 (12.6%), 60 (15.2%), P = 0.004]. No significant differences were observed in clinical classification across different periods, but average hospitalization costs increased. The data across all groups indicated that herdsmen remain the most affected population, while the incidence among students gradually decreased. Over the past 15 years, both the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and the prognosis of patients with hepatic echinococcosis in the Xinjiang region of China have improved. Laparoscopic total cystectomy is gradually becoming the preferred surgical approach for these patients, and early screening efforts have benefited an increasing number of patients.