Peritoneal Echinococcosis

Abstract

Peritoneal echinococcosis is rare, even in areas where hydatid disease is endemic. Although the liver and lungs are the organs most commonly involved, peritoneal echinococcosis, either primary or secondary, represents an uncommon but significant manifestation of the disease. We reviewed the medical records of 121 patients with abdominal echinococcosis operated on in our department over the past 12 years. Peritoneal echinococcosis was found in 17 patients, usually combined with liver disease. The presenting symptoms were mostly atypical, and a few cases were discovered accidentally during routine follow-up after operations for hepatic echinococcosis. Surgery remains the best curative or palliative treatment for peritoneal echinococcosis, although anthelmintics can be an effective alternative for the treatment of small and asymptomatic cysts.

A Case of Primary Peritoneal Hydatidosis

“…The disease is endemic in Asia, South America, and certain parts of Africa and in some Mediterranean countries [1]. The disease is caused by the larval stage of the parasite whose primary host is dog.…”

“…The peritoneal hydatid disease is rare. The frequency of peritoneal involvement is approximately 13 % [1]. In most of these cases the peritoneal involvement is related to previous surgery for hepatic hydatid disease.…”

Large solitary retroperitoneal echinococcal cyst: A rare case report

“…Therapy for extrahepatic echinococcal disease is based on considerations regarding the size, location and manifestations of the cysts, and the overall health status of the patient. Asymptomatic small cysts once diagnosed can be treated with antihelminthic drugs, administered for 28 d in one to eight repeating cycles, separated by drug-free intervals of 2-3 wk [11] . For symptomatic or large hydatid peritoneal cysts, surgery, when feasible, is the principal method of treatment.…”

“…Total cystectomy, whenever possible, is the gold standard. For peritoneal cysts firmly attached to intraperitoneal viscera, unroofing and drainage has been proven to be a safe method [11,12] . It is important that the abdominal cavity is isolated with gauzes soaked in 20% hypertonic saline solution to avoid secondary hydatosis and allergic reaction [11] .…”

“…For peritoneal cysts firmly attached to intraperitoneal viscera, unroofing and drainage has been proven to be a safe method [11,12] . It is important that the abdominal cavity is isolated with gauzes soaked in 20% hypertonic saline solution to avoid secondary hydatosis and allergic reaction [11] . In our case, to eradicate the disease, total cystectomy was carried out with meticulous dissection of the left ureter, gonadal vessels, hypogastric nerve plexus and the mesosigmoid vasculature.…”