Treatment
Surgery remains the primary treatment for cystic echinococcosis (CE). It can produce complete cure. The type and timing of surgery is decided after considering the risks and benefits. Operable cases of Alveolar or lung echinococcoses are dealt surgically while others require chemotherapy. When cysts occur in multiple sites and organs, surgery becomes difficult or impossible; chemotherapy is necessitated.
Surgical management may be coupled with drug therapy.
Newer methods, such as the puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration (PAIR) technique are now available. These need to be tested. Indications for such newer modalities are restricted.
Drug therapy for echinococcosis is limited. Drugs albendazole and mebendazole are used for treatment and prophylaxis. These are anthelmintic. Praziquantel is an adjunct for therapy.
