The aim of this study is to describe an alternative technique, using radio frequency energy to perform pericystectomy for
hepatic echinococcosis. We present 3 patients with
hepatic echinococcosis who were treated with
radio frequency ablation (RFA)-assisted pericystectomy. A Radionics Cooltip Radio Frequency System (Tyco, Greece, Radionics) with a single shaft 15 cm long needle
electrode and a 2 cm exposure tip, was used. The needle
electrode was inserted in consecutive sites into the "healthy" hepatic parenchyma close to the
cyst wall, so that a tissue zone around the cystic cavity was gradually ablated. The complete ablation of a site was followed by sharp division of the parenchyma. The operation completed successfully in all patients. Minor
bleeding and/or bile leakage were successfully controlled with RFA coagulation. No other
hemostatic method was used. The postoperative course was uneventful. No evidence of recurrent disease, or any other cause of morbidity, has been demonstrated at follow up (2 y). RFA-assisted pericystectomy for hepatic
hydatid disease in experienced hands, might be useful to perform a "sterile" resection, eradicating single or multiple
cysts and preventing local recurrence, with minimal morbidity.