Combined resection of the right liver lobe and retrohepatic inferior vena cava to treat hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

RATIONALE Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a potentially fatal and chronically progressive infestation that is caused by the multivesicular metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis (EM). HAE behaves like a malignant tumor and has been referred to as "worm cancer." The main treatment method for HAE is surgical resection. PATIENT CONCERNS We present a 41-year-old Tibetan alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patient with AE lesions invading the right liver lobe and retrohepatic inferior vena cava (RHIVC). DIAGNOSES The patient was diagnosed with HAE based on results obtained from ultrasound examination, computed tomography, liver 3-dimensional reconstruction, serology tests, clinical presentation, and surgical exploration. The final pathology report confirmed the diagnosis as HAE. INTERVENTIONS A radical surgery that combined resection of the liver and RHIVC was performed successfully. OUTCOMES The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and a good prognosis. LESSONS When lesions of the liver significantly violate the RHIVC, resecting the RHIVC without reconstruction may be considered if possible.