Albendazole treatment of human hydatid tissue.

The effect of albendazole was studied in 12 patients with cystic hydatid disease (CHD) of the liver. Six patients received albendazole continuously for 6 months, while 6 patients received albendazole for 6 courses of 4 weeks with a 2 week drug-free interval between cycles. The continuous therapy proved successful, with stable involution at the follow-up at 24 months, while the patients treated with discontinuous therapy showed improvement or relapse. In our experience, continuous therapy was more effective and can be considered to be a suitable alternative or percutaneous therapy in uncomplicated hydatid liver disease, as an initial treatment.