Laparoscopic liver resection for alveolar echinococcosis

Abstract

Echinococcosis is a rare parasitic infection in Central Europe. The most commonly affected organ is liver.\xa0 There are two types, cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with different type of treatment management. A radical liver resection remains the method of choice in the management of alveolar echinococcosis. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman with an echinococcal alveolar liver lesion successfully treated with a laparoscopic resection of the 5th liver segment. Laparoscopic technique, with all its benefits over the open surgery, provides a save and efficient treatment of selected types of echinococcal cysts located in the liver. It is a mini-invasive surgical approach which enables lower postoperative discomfort, quicker recovery and better cosmetic outcome.