[Percutaneous puncture treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis under ultrasound guidance].

Introducing of the alternative PAIR (puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration) method for treatment of hepatic echinococcosis in practice dates from 1992 year. A Working group dealing with the problems and standardization of the method has been created by WHO. The major aspects of this treatment are summarized in the bulletin of WHO of 1996 year. On the last World Congress of Ultrasound, held in Florence, Italy in 1999 this method was reported as safe and effective treatment modality. The necessity for further prospective studies was also emphasized. The aim of the Working group for performing of PAIR, created at the Clinical Centre of Gastroenterology, University Hospital "Queen Joanna" in 1999 is to report the preliminary results and declare the possibilities for its application. Nine patients (6 males, 3 females) with 11 cysts (I, II and IIIa types after Gharbi) measured 3-9 cm were punctured and followed up for a 6 months period. 95% ethanol was used as protoscolicidal agent with concomitant preventive oral treatment with Mebendazole. No serious complications were observed. In all patients separation of the germinative membrane was verified. 2/5 cysts < 3.5 cm completely disappeared, 7/11 diminished their size without signs of vitality, while 2/11 remained vital. One ofe the cysts had a biliary communication which necessitated the injection of 20% NaCl instead of ethanol. The serological ritres significantly decreased in all patients. The risk of anaphylaxis and seeding is negligible while keeping the technique of PAIR precisely. The PAIR treatment of hepatic echinococcosis presents great progress with its safety, low risk and excellent therapeutic results.