Postoperative recurrence of hydatid disease

Since larval scolices of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus are capable of developing in vivo into mature hydatid cysts in the human intermediate host, operative spillage of cyst contents can lead to local regrowth of hydatid cysts after a suitable interval. The overall rate of postoperative recurrence of hydatid cysts of soft tissue organs in 106 patients, followed-up from 6 months to 3 years, was 11.3 per cent. Both host and parasite factors determine recurrence. Serosal and surgical wound surfaces, unlike mucosal surfaces, provide fertile ground for the development of implanted scolices into hydatid cysts. No correlation was found between the size of removed cysts and postoperative recurrence. The risk of recurrence and associated morbidity was highest in patients with multiple intra-abdominal cysts. Certain technical problems increase the chance of inadvertent operative rupture and spillage of cyst contents, with subsequent regrowth of cysts. Routine measures against operative spillage of hydatid fluid are mandatory, but the actual method of surgical treatment must be individualized for every case.