Evaluation of clinical, diagnostic and treatment aspects in hydatid disease: analysis of an 8-year experience

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Echinococcosis is still a common health problem. The aim of this study was to discuss our 8-year data in terms of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cystic Echinococcosis. METHODS: A total of 178 patients who had hydatid cyst were analyzed retrospectively from the hospital records. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was based on clinical-serological and radiological findings. Treatment response was evaluated with clinical, radiological and serological findings. RESULTS: A total of 178 medical records were evaluated; the male:female ratio was 0.73 and mean age 44.6±16.9 years. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (94, 52.8%). The mean cyst size was 9.5±3.9 cm. Eosinophilia was significantly higher in patients with complicated cyst (35.3%) (p=0.002). The average duration of hospitalization in surgical patients was shorter than non-surgical patients (p=0.026). There was no significant correlation between the preference of scolicidal agent (hypertonic saline, H(2)O(2), povidone iodine) and recurrence in patients who underwent surgery (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the patients who underwent radical and conservative surgery in terms of complication and recurrence (p=0.077, p=0.557). No significant difference was found between percutaneous and surgical treatment in terms of complication and recurrence (p=0.264, p=0.276). CONCLUSION: Even though considerable progress has been made, uncertainties remain in the diagnosis and treatment of Echinococcosis. Hence, standardized diagnostic and treatment procedures should be established with well-designed studies.