[Outcomes after thoracotomy for intra-abdominal hydatid cysts ruptured into the thorax (a 160 case series)]

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of the surgical treatment of abdominal hydatid cysts ruptured in the thorax.

We collected data from 160 patients who experienced the intra-thoracic rupture of an abdominal hydatid cyst during the period 1997 - 2008: 158 located in the liver, one in the spleen and one in the kidney, which had been treated surgically in a single centre. Diagnosis was based on a history of surgery for abdominal hydatid cysts, specific symptoms including biliptysis (40% of the cases) and expectoration of hydatid cysts, as well as radiological findings (chest x-ray; abdominal ultrasound and CT-scan). All patients were operated on through a thoracotomy.

In-hospital mortality was 7.5%. Postoperative complications occurred in 16% and mainly consisted of pleural and pulmonary disorders.

Thoracotomy offers simultaneous and adequate access to address thoracic and abdominal injuries with a reasonable mortality and morbidity in patients with this condition.