Hydatid cyst of the kidney - A report of 147 controlled cases

Objectives: We report our experience in the management of 147 hydatid cysts of the kidney over an 11-year period. Material and Methods: The records of 147 patients operated for hydatid cyst s of the kidney between 1985 and 1996 were reviewed in order to address pat ient's symptoms at presentation, radiological findings, diagnostic tests an d surgical outcome. All patients were managed with open surgery. No preoper ative or postoperative antiparasitic medication was used. Results: Lumbar or lumbo-abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (84%) . Hydaturia was observed in 28% of the cases. Preoperative diagnosis was ba sed upon intravenous pyelography (IVP), ultrasound and serology tests. CT s can was performed only in litigating cases (15%), In 20 cases, damage to th e renal parenchyma was so extensive as to justify nephrectomy. Abstention c oncerned 5 involutive type V cysts. The remaining patients had an excision of the prominent part of the cyst (partial cystopericystectomy). Postoperat ive course was smooth in all cases. Postoperative IVP (3-6 months) showed a restituo ad integrum in 80% of the cases and residual pelvicaliceal distor tions in 20%. Conclusions: Diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the kidney is based mainly on ult rasonography and IVP. Open surgery is the treatment of choice with excellen t results. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.