Successful percutaneous treatment of extrahepatic cystic echinococcosis through PAIR and single puncture catheter techniques.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the successful percutaneous treatment of extrahepatic cystic echinococcosis as an alternative to surgical procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 27 extrahepatic hydatid cysts in 12 patients, the spleen in 8 patients, muscles and soft tissues in 3 patients each and right adrenal gland in 1 patient were treated with PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, respiration) or single puncture catheterization methods. As a scolicidal and sclerosing agent, alcohol was used in all patients.

RESULTS: Of 27 extrahepatic lesions of hydatid cysts, 24 (88.9%) were Gharbi type 1 (WHO CE 1), and 3 (11.1%) were Gharbi type 2 (WHO CE 3A). Of hydatid cystic lesions, 20 with PAIR and 7 with single puncture catheterization methods were treated. No major complications developed in any patients. Abscesses were detected in two patients (16.6%). Mean total hospital stay was calculated between 1 and 14 days (mean 2.3 days). Follow-up periods ranged between 10 and 62 months (mean 22.3 months).

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous treatment for extrahepatic hydatid cystic lesions is an important alternative to surgical procedures because of the high therapeutic success rate, lower rate of complications and shorter hospital stays.