New Energy Devices in the Treatment of Cystic Echinococcosis

Abstract

Treatment of cystic echinococcosis of the liver still remains a debatable subject. The method of choice should aim for the total elimination of the parasite with minimum morbidity and mortality. Different approaches have been proposed. Medical treatment as a monotherapy has been abandoned due to the high chances of recurrence and is mostly used as an adjuvant to surgery or minimally invasive methods. Surgical methods are divided into conservative ones, which include cystectomy and partial pericystectomy, and radical ones, total pericystectomy and hepatectomy. Radical procedures are correlated with lower complication and recurrence rates and, therefore, should be attempted when indications are present. On the other hand, conservative surgery can be the first option in endemic areas, performed by non-specialized general surgeons. The development of laparoscopic techniques made their use a possible alternative approach in selected cases. The use of percutaneous treatments is also quite widespread due to their minimally invasive nature. New energy devices seem to play a significant role in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis, although more studies are needed to establish their efficacy. Observation without intervention is an option for inactive uncomplicated cysts.