Cystic Echinococcosis Cases: A Retrospective Evaluation in a General Surgery Department

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus parasite is a global health problem. This study aimed to assess cases of CE admitted to our General Surgery Department retrospectively, as there is no known similar publication concerning surgical treatment of abdominal cystic echinococcosis in Çanakkale province.

We analyzed laboratory and radiological findings alongside clinical and demographic features, treatments, and outcomes of cases undergoing surgical treatment for abdominal cystic echinococcosis in our department between 2012 and 2022.

Among the 37 cases reviewed, the mean age was 45.59±7.1 years, and 19 (51.35%) were female. While the majority (54.05%) were from urban districts, only 37.84% were involved in animal husbandry and agriculture. Most common complaint was abdominal pain (67.57%), with an average symptom duration of 4.3±1.02 months. The diagnosis was confirmed by visualization of the cuticular membrane through pathological examination. E. granulosus IHA testing yielded positive in 29 cases. Spleen involvement was seen in 3 (8.11%) cases and isolated liver involvement in 34 (91.89%) cases. Gharbi type III cysts (n=15) were the most frequent. The average cyst size was 106.32 mm (range 50-200); 29 cases had solitary cysts, six had double cysts, and one had triple and quadruple cysts. Cystotomy with capitonage and laparoscopic pericystectomy were performed in 30 cases and seven cases, respectively. Our recurrence rate was low (2.7%). Early and late complications developed in 12 (32.43%) cases.

Abdominal pain was the primary presenting symptom; radiology is valuable in diagnosis. Occupation in agriculture or animal husbandry is not the main risk factor in our region. Surgical interventions have favorable outcomes with low recurrence rates, particularly laparoscopic pericystectomy.