Ruptured Hydatid Cysts into the Peritoneum: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Surgical Pathology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Rupture of a hydatid cyst into the abdominal cavity is a rare yet severe complication.
• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, requires careful management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surgical treatment outcomes for ruptured hydatid cysts into the peritoneum.
• To identify risk factors and diagnostic approaches for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of ten patients surgically treated for ruptured hydatid cysts.
• Data collected on patient demographics, cyst location, perforation cause, diagnosis, and treatment.

Main Results:

• Most patients were male (7/10) with mean age 34.2 years.
• Liver was the most common cyst location (7/10); spontaneous perforation occurred in 7/10 patients.
• Surgical treatment included partial pericystectomy in most cases, with low morbidity (1/10) and recurrence (1/10).

Conclusions:

• Ruptured hydatid cysts should be considered in acute abdominal pain differential diagnoses in endemic areas.
• Young age, multiple cysts, and specific liver locations (segment VI) may predispose to perforation.
• Emergency surgery is the primary treatment, followed by postoperative medical therapy.