The effect of albendazole on the prevention of secondary hydatidosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Secondary hydatidosis and recurrence are serious complications in hydatid surgery. Although medical treatment and current surgical techniques are more effective in the prevention of cyst formation resulting from spillage of cystic liquid, secondary hydatidosis is still surgically important. Albendazole, a derivative of benzoimidazole, is the most commonly used drug in the medical treatment of echinococcosis. The effectiveness of pre-operative prolonged or single dose applications is supported by the literature.