Hydatid disease of the genitourinary tract

Seventeen patients were treated surgically for hydatid disease of the genitourinary tract. The diagnosis of echinococcosis was facilitated by a positive Casoni test with evidence suggestive of a cystic tumour following intravenous urography, angiography, ultrasound or renal scan. Barium enemas, cystography and cystoscopy were of great help in cases of lower urinary tract hydatid disease. Seven patients with hydatid disease of the kidney underwent nephrectomy. The other 6 patients with renal involvement had excision of the cysts only. Treatment of the 4 patients with lower genitourinary tract hydatid disease was on an individual basis. There was no mortality and no significant morbidity.