@article{article_319757, title={Challenges, Prognosis and Outcomes of Surgical Resection for Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis: A Single Centre Experience}, journal={Dicle Medical Journal}, volume={44}, pages={183–190}, year={2017}, DOI={10.5798/dicletip.319757}, author={Rencuzogulları, Ahmet and Koltas, Ismail Soner and Akcam, Atilgan Tolga and Ulku, Abdullah and Yalav, Orcun and Saritas, Ahmet Gokhan and Dalcı, Kubilay and Eray, Ismail Cem}, keywords={alveolar echinococcosis; hepatic resection; Echinococcus multilocularis}, abstract={<p>Objective: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an aggressive and potentially fatal infection, which affects the liver <br>primarily and presents as a tumor-like lesion. Outcomes associated with surgical procedures for this infection have <br>been rarely reported. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate long-term surgical treatment outcomes associated <br>with hepatic AE. <br>Methods: Between 2001 and 2013, the management and outcomes of twelve consecutive hepatic AE patients who <br>were considered feasible for complete hepatic resection with/without metastasectomy were described. In all patients, <br>pre-operative diagnosis of AE was based on clinical findings, imaging studies, and serological tests. Antibodies against <br>antigens of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes were screened as specific markers for the serological diagnosis <br>of AE by Western blot. The oral albendazole protocol was administered for hepatic AE patients who had complete <br>resection. <br>Results: Twelve patients (F/M=7/5) underwent complete resection for pathologically confirmed hepatic AE during <br>the study period. Median follow-up was 82 (32-164) months. The most common initial symptom was abdominal pain <br>(n=9) followed by jaundice (n=4). Four patients had metastasis: Brain, surrenal, splenic and colon. One patient was <br>lost due to massive pulmonary emboli despite appropriate interventions. All other complications that emerged were <br>treated successfully. <br>Conclusion: Long-term favorable outcomes can be achieved by complete surgical resection followed by <br>chemotherapy with albendazole in advanced hepatic AE cases. <br> </p>}, number={2}, publisher={Dicle Üniversitesi}