The effect of low voltage electricity on the scolexes of the hydatid cyst

Abstract

Background: Intraoperative rapture of the hydatid cysts sometimes causes spread of scolexes into the adjacent cavities and consequent secondary hydatidosis. Objective: To evaluate the effect of low voltage electricity on scolexes. Methods: The livers and lungs of slaughtered sheep containing hydatid cysts were treated with electricity current (12 V – 600 ma). Then the aspirated scolexes were stained with eosin. Findings: In smaller cysts (less than 25cc in volume), which were treated for 10 minutes, 80.4% of scolexes were dead and 19.6% were alive. In larger cysts, the values were 77.9% and 22.1% respectively. Conclusion: The effect of electricity on scolexes was well shown in this study but its clinical effects are still to be further evaluated