The effects of minimally invasive surgery in liver hydatid cysts

Aim: This study aims to compare laparoscopic and open surgical techniques in hepatic hydatid cysts.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University.Patients who underwent surgery for hydatid liver cysts between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, were included in the study.Cases were divided into two groups: the laparoscopic and open groups.The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were obtained through a review of their medical records.Results: A total of 39 patients, 20 male and 19 female, were included in the study.The mean age of the patients was 43.3 ( 17.2).Laparoscopic surgery was performed on 8 patients and open surgery on 31 patients.Although the length of hospital stay was longer in the open group, no significant difference was found.(p=0.08)The most common type of cyst in all groups was a single cyst.The largest cyst diameters were 8.2 cm in the laparoscopic group and 9.1 cm in the open group.(p=0.58)Although bile duct-related cysts were more common in the open group, no significant difference was detected.(p=0.82)According to the Gharby classification, types 1, 2, and 3 cysts were more common in the laparoscopic group, while types 4 and 5 cysts were more common in the open group.(p<0.001)The most commonly performed procedure was cystotomy and external drainage.Discussion: In the treatment of hydatid cysts, laparoscopic treatment is as effective as open surgery, with shorter hospital stays and similar recurrence rates.