Hydatid cysts of the liver: TN(R)C classification

Background: Liver hydatid disease remains a serious public health problem. Its incidence is increasing but still there is no standardised protocol for assessment of the severity of the disease or for classifying the lesion in each individual case. Objective: To construct a new and maximally descriptive classification syst em that could help in better assessing the extent of the disease, both in p rimary and recurrent cysts. Design: Description of a newly created classification system. Setting: University hospital Method: Review of the literature and own observations. Results: Classification system describing T (topography of the cyst), N (na tural history of the cyst), R (recurrent cyst) and C (complication of the c yst). Conclusion: Consideration is given to almost all aspects of classifying liv er hydatid cysts. A new concept for classification is presented which can b ecome the basis for further multi-institutional comparison of data.