Management of hydatid cysts of the urinary tract

Eleven patients with hydatid disease of the urinary tract have been seen in the last 5 years. Seven patients had cysts of the kidneys and 4 had large retrovesical hydatids. Seven of the 8 patients with renal hydatids presented with loin pain and mass. Three patients with renal communicating hydatids also presented with haematuria which was due to passing "grape skin" (hydatid membrane) in the urine. Two patients with retrovesical hydatids had bladder outflow obstruction and 2 had bilateral ureteric obstruction leading to uraemia. Eight of 11 patients had associated hydatids of other organs such as the liver (4 patients), peritoneal cavity (2) and lungs (1). Computed tomography was the most useful and specific investigation. In both renal and pelvic (retrovesical) hydatid cysts, endocystectomy with either partial excision or plication of the ectocyst is the standard treatment. In renal communicating hydatids the options are either nephrectomy (partial or total) or endocystectomy with closure of the communication. The use of cryocone and scolicidal agents is mandatory during surgery.