Introduction : The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic partial cystectomy (LPC).

Methods : The medical records of patients who underwent conventional partial cystectomy (CPC) and LPC for liver hydatid cyst from March 2009 to January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity, mortality, and follow up outcomes were evaluated.

Results : Among 162 patients, 59 of patients were underwent LPC and 103 underwent CPC. Blood loss, postoperative complications were similar in both groups. The mean operative time in the LPC and the CPC groups was respectively 91.4?1.5 and 61.5?8.1 minutes, which showed a significant difference between the both groups. The mean length of hospital stay in CPC group was significantly longer when compared the LPC group. The mean diameter of cyst in LPC group was 6.1?.1 cm, and 7.8?.1 cm in CPC group with significant difference. The overall complication rates were 15.2 % in LPC group and 16.5 % in CPC group without significant difference. The most common complication was biliary leakage and surgical site infection.

Conclusions : In the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons with appropriate technical tools; Laparoscopic drainage and partial cystectomy seem to be safe and effective techniques in carefully selected patients in the surgical treatment of liver hydatid cysts. Technical devices such as grinder aspirator and laparoscopic ultrasonography may expand the indication for laparoscopy.