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Evidence summaries

Aspiration of Hepatic Hydatid Cysts

Evidence is insufficient to support or refute the puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration (PAIR) method with or without benzimidazole coverage for patients with uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cyst. Level of evidence: "D"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included no randomised clinical trials comparing puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration (PAIR) method versus no or sham intervention. Of the two other randomised trials, one compared PAIR versus surgical treatment (n=50) and another compared PAIR (with or without albendazole) versus albendazole alone (n=30). Compared to surgery, PAIR plus albendazole obtain similar cyst disappearance and mean cyst diameter with fewer adverse events (32% versus 84%, P < 0.001) and fewer days in hospital (mean ± SD) ( 4.2 ± 1.5 versus 12.7 ± 6.5 days, P < 0.001). Compared to albendazole, PAIR with or without albendazole obtain significantly more often (P < 0.01) cyst reduction and symptomatic relief.

    References

    • NNasseri-Moghaddam S, Abrishami A, Taefi A, Malekzadeh R. Percutaneous needle aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration with or without benzimidazole coverage for uncomplicated hepatic hydatid cysts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;(1):CD003623. [PubMed].

Primary/Secondary Keywords