Hepatic Hydatid Disease: A Case Series of Three Patients Managed Surgically

Abstract

Background: Hydatid disease is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus(Jarvis, 2025). The liver is the most commonly affected organ, accounting for approximately 60–70% of cases(Derbel et al., 2012). Although many patients remain asymptomatic for prolonged periods, enlarging cysts may cause symptoms and complications requiring surgical intervention(Bayrak & Altıntaş, 2019).

Case Presentation: We present a series of three patients diagnosed with hepatic hydatid cysts. A 42-year-old male presented with right upper abdominal pain and was found to have an 8 × 7 cm cyst in segment VI. A 35-year-old female presented with abdominal fullness and was diagnosed with a 7 × 6 cm cyst in segment IV. A 50-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and nausea and was found to have a 9 × 8 cm cyst in segment III. All patients underwent preoperative albendazole therapy followed by open surgical management consisting of cyst evacuation with omentoplasty or drainage.

Results: All three patients underwent successful surgical treatment without intraoperative complications. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and all patients received postoperative albendazole therapy. No recurrence was observed during follow-up.

Conclusion: Hepatic hydatid disease remains a significant health problem in endemic regions(Bachar et al., 2025). Early diagnosis through imaging and timely surgical intervention combined with antiparasitic therapy provides excellent outcomes(Bachar et al., 2025; Nunnari, 2012).