Abstract

Background:

We reviewed a series of 70 patients with pul­monary hydatid disease treated surgically in our center from 1990 to 2000.

Patients and methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the patients’ symptomatology, diagnostic studies, treatment options, and morbidity and mortality. Male/female ratio was 38/32 and the mean age was 25.5 years (range:7-70 years).

Results:

Radiological studies were the main diagnostic tool. The correct preoperative diagnosis could be made in 71% of the patients by plain chest roentgenogram and in 96% of the patients by chest roentgenogram plus tomography, and in three patients diagnosis were made per or postoperatively. Eighty one operations were performed in 70 patients with 46 intact and 40 ruptured cysts. Sixty seven parenchyma saving operations, 11 pulmonary resections and 7 pleural decortica­tions were performed. Patients with extrathoracic hydatid dis­ease were refferred to the relevant subspecialty clinics and were not operated on by our team. Eighteen complications developed in 8 patients (11%). Prolonged air leak was the most frequent complication (in 7 patients). One patient required resuscitation peroperatively. There was no operative mortality.

Conclusions:

Surgery is still the main procedure for treatment of pulmonary hydatid disease. The parenchyma-saving surgical methods sould be preferred.