RESUMEN
Background: Echinococcosis is caused by parasite called Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. The modern treatment of hydatid cyst of the liver varies from surgical intervention to percutaneous drainage or medical therapy.Methods: This clinical study was done on 50 patients who had liver hydatid disease admitted in Sir T Hospital, Bhavnagar from August 2013 to February 2016. Patients were divided into two groups consisting of 25 cases in each. Group A: managed by open surgery. Group B: managed by laparoscopic surgery. All patients followed up for 6 months after surgery.Results: The mean operative time in Group A was 65.2 minutes (range 35-100 minutes) while in Group B it was 76.32 minutes (range 50-100 minutes). Group B patients were mobilised early and resumed duty very fast then Group A. The mean duration of stay in hospital was 12.4 days (range 4-20 days) in Group A and 6.2 days (range 4-12 days) in Group B. Wound infection seen in 16% in Group A and 0% in Group B. General complication rate was 32% in Group A and 8% in Group B. No recurrence noticed in either group during follow up.Conclusions: Overall laparoscopic management of liver hydatid cyst is cost effective in terms of early mobilization, early discharge and early resumption of work along with cosmetic benefit.