Palanivelu hydatid system for safe and efficacious laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid disease

Background Hydatid disease, being endemic in several areas of the world, is of interest even to surgeons in non-endemic areas because they may encounter the disease due to ease and rapidity of travel as well as immigration. We describe a new device for laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid disease. Methods The special trocar–cannula system—the Palanivelu hydatid system (PHS)—and the technique of operation are described. A total of 75 patients were operated on using this technique. Results In 83.3% of patients, only evacuation of the hydatid cyst by the PHS was done. In 13.7%, this was followed by left lobectomy because the cysts were large, occupying almost the entire left lobe of the liver. The remnant cavity was dealt with by omentoplasty. The average follow-up period was 5.9 years, during which there were no recurrences. Conclusions PHS is successful in preventing spillage, evacuating the contents of hydatid cysts, performing transcystic fenestration, and for dealing with cyst–biliary communications.