Cysto-biliary communication in liver hydatidosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Liver hydatidosis is a severe health problem in endemic areas. Due to migration from these countries to other zones, now it is a worldwide problem. Liver hydatidosis can provoke many complications (abscess, fistula to adjacent organs, migration, etc.), but the most frequent and one of the most severe complication is the communication between the cyst and the biliary tree. AIM: The aim of this study is to perform a review on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic options to treat the communication between the cyst and the biliary tree. RESULTS: Due to the lack of randomized clinical trial or meta-analysis on this topic, we performed a classical review and included our personal algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: The communication between the cyst and the biliary tree varies from a small communication to a frank intrabiliary rupture. The percentage of patients with the communication between the cyst and the biliary tree is not well known because there is no accepted definition. The therapeutic options are multiple and related to the size of the communication, the location of the cyst, and the experience of the hepatobiliary surgeon. ERCP is now an important tool for the treatment of the communication between the cyst and the biliary tree.