Surgery and outcome of alveolar echinococcosis of the liver: historical comparison of mass screening systems in Japan
Sato, N.; Uchino, J.; Takahashi, M.; Aoki, S.; Takahashi, H.; Yamashita, K.; Matsushita, M.; Suzuki, K.; Namieno, T.
International Surgery 82(2): 201-204
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-8868 PMID: 9331854 Document Number: 473317
In Japan, the prognosis of patients with alveolar echinococcosis (Echinococcus multilocularis) of the liver is very good when the lesions are completely resected, suggesting that mass screening is effective for disease control. Resectability and prognosis were compared with screening systems on a historical basis. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A patients (n = 63) were detected by the current screening system in use since December 1984 based on ELISA and ultrasonography; group B patients (n = 39) were detected by a serological screening system in use between 1974 and 1984; group C patients (n = 64) were not screened and their disease was discovered incidentally. Lesions at an early stage of development were most frequently found in group A, and complete resection was performed in 74.6% of group A, 41.0% of group B and 18.8% of group C (P<0.0008). The 5-year survival rate was 100% in group A, 74.0% in group B and 69.5% in group C, with significant intergroup difference (P<0.05). The current screening system therefore facilitates early diagnosis and contributes to a better outcome.