[Hydatic cyst of the kidney. Eighteen cases]

18 patients with 18 hydatid cyst of kidney, underwent surgical intervention from 1982 to 1994. There were 6 men in the series and 12 women who ranged in age from 7 to 65 years (mean 38 years). Flank pain was the chief complaint (55%). Abdominal mass was detected on physical examination in 38% of cases. Ultrasonographic examination, performed in all cases, made a correct diagnosis in 13 patients (72%). Excretory urogram (IVP), performed in 9 patients, showed signs of benign tumor process. All patients were operated on: the procedures performed included 12 resection of "protruding dome", 1 total nephrectomy, 3 partial pericystectomy, 2 total pericystectomy, 1 total nephrectomy. In postoperative course, there was one death (5.5%) and morbidity was 11%. We conclude that hydatid cyst of kidney still rare but possible in endemic areas; its treatment, usually surgical, still difficult because it should avoid recurrence of hydatic disease without sacrifice of the kidney.