Treatment of Gharbi Type III Hepatic Hydatid Cysts: A Clinical Dilemma

This article aims to compare available treatment options for type III liver hydatid cysts, including surgery and percutaneous techniques. Hydatid disease is a helminthic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is a serious public health problem in endemic regions of the world. Hydatid cyst of the liver is the most common clinical presentation of Echinococcus granulosus. According to Gharbi classification, hydatid cysts of the liver are classified into 5 types. Type III hydatid cysts are those with fluid collection and septa. Treatment of Gharbi type III hydatid cysts is still controversial. Some researchers think that Gharbi type III hydatid cysts are not suitable for percutaneous drainage, and surgery is the suitable treatment option. There are not enough prospective studies comparing percutaneous and surgical techniques for the treatment of type III hydatid disease of the liver. A proper meta-analysis does not seem to be possible with the available studies in current medical literature.