Laparoscopic treatment of hydatid cyst of the liver: initial experience with a small series of patients.

A laparoscopic technique to manage hydatid cyst of the liver is described. The technique is safe and simple and has the advantages of other abdominal laparoscopic operations. It also fulfills the prerequisite of open surgery of hydatid cyst of the liver, namely, the prevention of intraperitoneal spillage of cyst contents. Our technique enables treatment of the residual cyst cavity following aspiration of contents. In the past 15 months, 10 cysts (5-17 cm in diameter) in 6 patients were managed successfully using this approach, with no mortality or short-term recurrence.