ULTRASOUND-GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS DRAINAGE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH HEPATIC HYDATID-DISEASE

The present study was designed to establish the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage in the treatment of hepatic h ydatid cysts In children. A total of 14 cysts in eight patients were d rained under aseptic conditions and continuous ultra sound guidance. A n 18-G needle was used for puncture and silver nitrate solution as the scolecoidal agent. All procedures were successful. During follow-up, repeated ultrasound examinations revealed a progressive decrease in cy st size and an alteration in the cyst echopattern. None of the patient s had a rise in hydatid antibody titer. There were no immediate or lat e complications. We conclude that the safety and efficacy of ultrasoun d-guided percutaneous drainage are satisfactory for the treatment of h epatic hydatid cysts in children.