Recurrence of hydatid disease

Surgical management of hepatic hydatid disease has been associated with an overall local recurrence rate of approximately 10%. Local recurrence is rar ely seen following complete resection of an intact cyst and is usually the result of spillage of live parasites or leaving a residual cyst wall contai ning germinal epithelium, daughter cysts, or protoscolices during surgery. Recurrence is frequently asymptomatic, so the diagnosis depends on dedicate d follow-up of treated patients with serology and either ultrasonography or computed tomography. The management of locally recurrent disease should in clude administration of albendazole followed by the appropriate application of interventional radiotherapy or operation. As with the treatment of prim ary disease, the preservation of liver function and minimizing the risk to the patient remain the guiding principles of therapy of local recurrence.