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.