Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical profiles and assess the outcomes of surgical interventions for pediatric hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Methods Clinical data of pediatric patients(≤14 years of age) with hepatic cystic echinococcosis, who were treated surgically in the General Surgery Department of the People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region from January 2014 to December 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic details, clinical manifestations, cyst characteristics, surgical approaches, and postoperative complications were recorded for statistical examination. Results A comprehensive review was conducted on total 93 pediatric cases, comprising 53 males (57.0%) and 40 females (43.0%). Among these, 58 cases (62.3%) were asymptomatic during physical examinations, while 29 cases (31.1%) presented with abdominal pain. The cyst were predominantly located in the right hepatic lobe in 62 cases (66.6%), in the left lobe in 12 cases (12.9%), and in both lobes in 19 cases (20.4%). Multiple internal cysts (≥2) were observed in 34 cases (36.55%), with an average cysts diameter of (9.14±3.16) cm. Surgical interventions included internal cystectomy in 43 cases (46.2%), external cystectomy in 39 cases (41.9%), and complete external capsule remova in, 11 cases (11.8%). Postoperative complications included residual cavity bile leakage in 5 cases, pleural effusion in, 11, residual cavity infection in 1, lung infection in 2, and 1mortality. Over a follow-up- period of 1-4 years, 4 cases experienced recurrence and were managed with oral albendazole and regular B-ultrasound monitoring. Conclusion In pediatric cases, hepatic cystic echinococcosis is predominatly asymptomatic. The cysts are primarily situated in the right hepatic lobe, characterized by a high incidence of multiple occurrences and a thin outer cyst wall. Surgical intervention remains the principal treatment modality, necessitating tailored approaches based on individual patient conditions.

Key words: Children, Hepatic cystic echinococcosis, Surgical management