Modified pair technique for treatment of hydatid cysts in the spleen

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of single-session sclerotherapy with mixture of alcohol and polidocanol and a subsequent injection of albendazole for devisceration of hydatid cysts in the spleen. Eight patients (four women and four men, average age 22.9+/-11.4 with hydatid cyst in the spleen were treated with 10 minutes time of exposure to mixture of ethanol 95% and polidocanol 1%. After that, 2 to 5 ml of albendazole was injected into the cyst cavity. Two patients had 2 cysts. At follow-up the patients were examined with clinical and biochemical examinations, ultrasonography, and serologic test for echinococcal antibody titres. The mean hospital stay was 2.5+/-0.93 days. During the follow-up period, mean cyst diameter decreased from 46+/-16.4 mm to 13.6+/-16.26 mm. In all ten cysts, a reduction of post procedural recolection of fluid over 40% was observed. Five cysts (50%) disappeared during the follow-up period. All cysts (5) smaller then 50 mm in diameter disappeared during follow-up period. After an initial rise, the echinococcal-antibody titres fell progressively and at the last follow-up were negative (< 1: 160) in 7 (88%) patients. No complications were observed, except for pain, fever and urticaria during the first 24-hours after the procedure. Sclerotherapy using only one session and 10 min time of exposure to the mixture of ethanol and polidocanol, and a subsequent injection of albendasole solution represents an effective treatment of hydatid cysts in the spleen. This procedure is even more efficacious for hydatid cyst with diametar smaller then 50 mm.

FIGURE 1

Hydatid cyst in the spleen before devisceration

FIGURE 2

Spleen of the same patient after procedure

FIGURE 3

Cyst diameter in ten cysts following procedureA pattern of post-procedural recollection of fluid later followed by diameter reduction (median diameter reduction 92%) was observed in all ten cysts.