COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LAPAROSCOPIC VERSUS OPEN SURGICAL TREATMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEPATIC HYDATID CYST

Hepatic hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant surgical concern in endemic regions. While open surgery has traditionally been the standard approach, laparoscopic techniques are increasingly being utilized with potential advantages in recovery and complication rates. Objective: To compare laparoscopic versus open surgical treatment in the management of hepatic hydatid cysts with respect to postoperative hospital stay and wound infection rates. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Setting: Conducted at a tertiary care hospital, the General Surgery Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 11-Novemeber-2023 to 11-May-2024. Methods: A total of 94 patients aged 30 to 80 years with ultrasound-confirmed hepatic hydatid cysts were included and equally divided into two groups: laparoscopic surgery (Group A) and open surgery (Group B). Postoperative hospital stay duration and wound infection rates were recorded. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 49.49 ± 13.65 years in Group A and 47.96 ± 11.89 years in Group B. The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (4.57 ± 1.03 days) compared to the open surgery group (6.02 ± 1.42 days; p = 0.0001). Wound infection occurred in 2.1% of laparoscopic cases versus 14.9% in open surgery cases. Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid cyst is associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay and lower wound infection rate compared to open surgery, making it a more effective and less morbid treatment option