Surgical management of 32 cases with Hydatid Cyst and our clinical experiences

Aim: Pulmonary hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, commonly seen in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary and cardiac hydatid cysts who underwent surgical treatment. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of the selected surgical techniques on clinical outcomes.Materials and Methods: The data of patients who were operated on with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst in our clinic between June 2013 and December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics of patients, their symptoms, radiological and serological findings, cyst locations, surgical methods used, drainage and hospital stay durations, and postoperative complications were evaluated.Results: A total of 32 patients (17 female and 15 male) underwent surgery for a diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst. Among these, 68.7% presented with symptoms, the most common of which was persistent dry cough. The right lower lobe was the most frequent cyst location. Thoracotomy was performed in 20 patients, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 11 patients, and sternotomy in one patient. Parenchyma-sparing surgical techniques were predominantly employed. Patients who underwent VATS had significantly shorter durations of drain removal and hospital stay (p <0.05). Recurrence, defined as the radiological appearance of a new cyst in the same anatomical location, was observed in one patient 15 months after surgery.Conclusion: Surgical intervention remains a cornerstone in the management of pulmonary hydatid cysts. The use of parenchyma-sparing techniques has been shown to reduce postoperative complication rates, while minimally invasive approaches contribute to shorter hospital stays. Patients diagnosed with hydatid disease should be carefully evaluated for potential systemic involvement, and long-term follow-up is crucial to detect recurrence and ensure complete recovery.