Experience with Extra Hepatic Intra Abdominal Hydatid Cyst

Area of Science:

• Abdominal Surgery
• Parasitology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hydatid disease, a parasitic infection, commonly affects the liver but can occur in extrahepatic intra-abdominal sites, which is rare.
• Diagnosis typically relies on serological tests and imaging modalities.
• Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment for hydatid disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of extrahepatic intra-abdominal hydatid disease.
• To evaluate diagnostic methods for this rare condition.
• To assess surgical treatment strategies and outcomes for extrahepatic intra-abdominal hydatid disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 11 patients aged over 13 years who underwent surgery for extrahepatic intra-abdominal hydatid disease between 2009 and 2014.
• Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations (Ultrasound, CT scan), operative findings, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications.

Main Results:

• Eleven patients (7 male, 4 female; mean age 37.54 years) were identified.
• Abdominal mass and dull pain were the most common symptoms.
• Hydatid cysts were found in the spleen, epigastrium, beneath the diaphragm, and pelvis, with concurrent liver hydatid disease in 7 patients.
• Surgical procedures included liver cyst management, splenectomy, and complete excision of other cysts. Postoperative complications occurred in 45.4% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Extrahepatic intra-abdominal hydatid disease is an infrequent condition posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Multimodality imaging and tailored surgical approaches are crucial for managing this rare entity.
• Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic and treatment protocols.