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Hydatid disease cured by minimally invasive therapy
Stefan Georgescu1, Liviu Dubei, Daniel Lăzescu
11st Surgical Clinic, St. Spiridon Hospital, Bd. Independentei no.1, 6600 Iasi 700111, Romania. sgeorge@iasi.mednet.ro
Romanian Journal of Gastroenterology
|April 1, 2004
Summary
Hydatid disease, a parasitic infection, can affect multiple organs. This case highlights a rare instance of asymptomatic, widespread abdominal hydatidosis successfully treated with minimally invasive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, commonly affects the liver and lungs.
- Multiple organ involvement beyond hepatic and pulmonary sites is infrequent.
- Peritoneal hydatid cyst rupture is an exceptionally rare occurrence.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female presented with cough, weight loss, fatigue, itching, and dyspnea.
- Radiography suggested a pulmonary hydatid cyst; abdominal ultrasound revealed extensive hepatic, splenic, and peritoneal hydatid disease.
- The patient exhibited minimal symptoms despite the widespread parasitic infection.
Findings:
- Preoperative albendazole treatment was administered for 10 days.
- A minimally invasive surgical approach, combining thoracoscopy and laparoscopy, was employed to address all hydatid localizations.
- Postoperative complications included a transient biliary fistula, and splenic hydatid cyst required extended antiparasitic treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of asymptomatic, disseminated hydatid disease.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer a viable and effective treatment option for complex hydatidosis.
- Early diagnosis and comprehensive management, including antiparasitic therapy and surgery, are crucial for favorable outcomes.