Publication:

Surgery for intra-abdominal hydatid disease: a single centre experience

Background Hydatid cyst is one of the commonly encountered parasitic disease in agricultural countries. Man is an accidental host. However the parasite can cause cystic lesions in various organ systems of the body. Intra-abdominal hydatid cyst continues to be a challenging problem.

Methods Case records of patients diagnosed and surgically treated for intra-abdominal hydatid disease were studied. Demographic details, diagnostic modalities and surgical approach to each patient was studied.

Results Ten cases of intra-abdominal hydatid disease diagnosed and managed in a single surgical centre were studied.  Eight patients had hepatic disease, one had splenic disease and one had disseminated disease which included both hepatic and peritoneal disease. All were treated surgically.

Conclusions Males involved in livestock industry are commonly affected. Liver is the commonest intra-abdominal site for hydatid disease. CT scan is diagnostic. Open surgery still continues to be the safest option for treating this condition.