Anesthetic management of a hydatid cyst adhering to the inferior vena cava

A patient with a hepatic hydatid cyst with fistula formation to inferior vena cava is reported. To carry out the resection, the cyst was isolated from systemic circulation by means of cardiopulmonary bypass. Inferior vena cava was cannulated through the right atrium until the implantation area of the cyst (above the hepatic veins) was surpassed. Bypass was carried out in 25 minutes by means of cannulation of the ascending aorta, without clamping the aorta, myocardial protection or hypothermia. Postoperative analgesia was achieved with a lumbar epidural catheter. Measures to prevent anaphylactic shock are recommended, an anesthetic technique based on the prevention of hypersensitivity reactions and a careful surgical technique to prevent hydatid dissemination.