Endoscopic Treatment of Biliary Complications of Hydatid Cysts of the Liver

Objective: To evaluate the contribution of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnostic and especially therapeutic management of biliary complications of hydatid liver cysts (HHF). Patients and method: We included 19 patients hospitalized for endoscopic management of biliary complications of hydatid cyst of the liver over a four-year period, with an average age of 42 years and a male predominance in 62% of cases. Results: The prevalence of biliary complications of hydatid cyst of the liver was 2.5% in our series. ERCP revealed a cystobiliary fistula in 31% of cases, and lacunar images in the main bile duct (MBD) in 69% of cases related to hydatid material. Sphincterotomy was performed in all patients, allowing extraction of hydatid material by balloon extraction, and dilatation of the MBD by candle. On average, jaundice disappeared 7 to 12 days after the endoscopic procedure. No complications related to endoscopic treatment were observed. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of the biliary complications of hepatic hydatidosis is a safe and effective therapy with low morbidity and mortality.