Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of pulmonary hydatid cysts: A retrospective study

Objective Pulmonary hydatid disease remains a significant surgical problem in endemic regions. Although surgical management is well established, predictors of prolonged postoperative chest tube duration are not clearly defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics and independent predictors of prolonged chest tube drainage after surgical treatment of pulmonary hydatid cysts. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 131 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for pulmonary hydatid cysts at a tertiary referral center between January 2010 and December 2024. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging results, and surgical specifics were gathered and examined. Univariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with prolonged chest tube duration. Variables with p < 0.20 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to determine independent predictors. We computed adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Among the 131 patients, cyst rupture occurred in a substantial proportion of cases and was associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Prolonged chest tube duration was significantly associated with intermediate cyst size (4–6 cm). In multivariable analysis, cyst size 4–6 cm remained an independent predictor of prolonged drainage (AOR 6.33, p = 0.015), whereas larger cysts (≥7 cm) did not reach statistical significance. Early postoperative lung re-expansion was generally followed by earlier chest tube removal. Conclusion Intermediate-sized pulmonary hydatid cysts (4–6 cm) were independently associated with prolonged postoperative chest tube duration. Identification of high-risk patients may help optimize postoperative management strategies and reduce hospital stay.