Biliary Fistula and Late Recurrence of Liver Hydatid Cyst: Role of Cysto-biliary Communication

Purpose : The primary goals of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of occult CBC and recurrence, as well as the relationship between occult cysto-biliary communications manifested as postoperative biliary leakage and recurrence. The secondary goal was to use chemical analysis of hydatid cyst fluid to assess excessive bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels as predictors of fistula and recurrence. Methods: This prospective multi-center experimental and follow-up study of six years duration was conducted at the hepato-biliary pancreatic units of our universities hospitals from September 2010 to September 2016. Initially, 292 patients were included, but only 244 patients enrolled in the final study.