Abstract

In this retrospective study, we analysed the characteristics on presentation, operative techniques, and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates in 91 patients with complicated hydatid cyst of the lung. There were 96 complicated cysts in 91 patients. Among these cysts, 60 were perforated, 21 were infected, and 15 were cysts with pleural complications. The series consisted of 48 male and 43 female patients with a mean age of 30±ll years. There was no mortality. Cystotomy plus capitonnage was the most frequently performed operative technique (n:46), followed by cystotomy plus closure of bronchial openings (n:28), pericystectomy plus capitonnage (n:14), decortication (n:5), lobectomy and segmentectomy (n:3). The 7 cases with coexisting liver cysts were approached by right thoracophrenotomy. Postoperative complications developed in 5 patients (5.4%). It was concluded that, application of appropriate surgical treatment in complicated hydatid cysts results in low complication and recurrence rates.