Acute Intraperitoneal Rupture of Hydatid Cysts of the Liver: Case Series

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infection caused mainly by Echinococcus granulosus, which is generally considered benign. However, the hepatic hydatid cyst rupture in the abdominal cavity is a life-threatening incident that requires urgent and multidisciplinary management (emergency physicians, radiologists, anesthetists, and surgeons). This study describes clinical and paraclinical liver hydatid cyst rupture in the peritoneal cavity and details the appropriate treatment.A retrospective review of clinical records of patients hospitalized in Jendouba Hospital for liver hydatid cyst was performed over 8 years, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2019. Fifteen cases of liver hydatid cyst complicated with acute rupture into the abdominal cavity were collected out of 625 hydatid liver cysts. All patients underwent emergency laparotomy allowing conservative unroofing procedure associated with peritoneal lavage and external drainage combined with necessary intensive care measures. Clinical features, therapeutic procedures' details as well as postoperative outcomes are reported. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows version 20.There were 9 men and 6 women. Patients' age ranged from 14 to 59 years, with an average of 38 years. Two patients were admitted with abdominal trauma. Acute abdominal pain was the most common complaint. Only 1 patient had an anaphylactic shock. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography scan showed discontinuous cyst wall associated to intraperitoneal fluid in all cases. Intraoperatively, the intraperitoneal effusion was clear in 13 cases and purulent in 2. All patients underwent unroofing procedures associated with intra-operative peritoneal lavage and external drainage. The mean hospital stay was 6.11 days, and the mean follow-up was 19 months. No case of recurrence was reported among the patients.In endemic areas, rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst in the abdominal cavity should be considered in every case of acute abdominal pain, especially if associated with anaphylaxis signs. Early management starting in the emergency room is needed to ensure good outcome.