The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of hepatic cystic Echinococcus in a high HIV prevalence population: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a useful, minimally invasive intervention in managing complicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE). This study aims to assess the use of ERCP in a South African HCE cohort with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection.

Methods: An analysis was performed of patients with HCE who were assessed for surgery and underwent ERCP at a tertiary hospital in South Africa between 2011 and 2023. Demographics, clinical data, imaging characteristics, operative management, and postoperative complications were compared between HIV-negative (HIV-) and HIV-positive (HIV+) cohorts.

Results: Of the 91 patients assessed, 45 (mean age 34.6 years, 73.3% females, 23 HIV+) required ERCP. HIV status did not significantly affect cyst characteristics or surgical outcomes. HIV+ patients had a higher incidence of intraoperative bile leaks (p = 0.025). There were 18 patients who underwent preoperative ERCPs, mainly for biliary-cyst complications primarily causing obstructive jaundice. A total of 40 patients required postoperative ERCPs, mainly for bile leaks. There were no ERCP-related mortalities and only one case of pancreatitis. ERCP success rates were comparable in both cohorts, with an overall success rate of 86.7%.

Conclusion: HIV co-infection did not significantly impact the clinical course or outcomes of cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients undergoing ERCP. Perioperative ERCP proved effective in managing biliary complications of HCE as well as postoperative complications, regardless of HIV status. This study underscores the importance of endoscopic interventions in the comprehensive management of CE.