Clinical Profile and Surgical Management of Abdominal Hydatid Disease in Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Hydatid disease is a disease that has been known since antiquity and was described by Hippocrates with the particular term Liver filled with water followed by famous Arabian physician Al-rhazes who wrote on hydatid cyst of liver about 1000 years ago. Hydatid disease commonly known as Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic infestation caused by flatworm Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid disease is characterized by cystic lesions occurring in different parts of body most commonly liver (65%), lungs (15%). Unusual sites of involvement include muscles (5%), bones (5%),kidney (3%), spleen (2%), diaphragm (1%), ovary (0.2%).The peritoneal cavity, thyroid, breast, gall bladder, omentum are rarely involved. Methods: Our study was a prospective observational study conducted in Postgraduate Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Srinagar, J&K for a period of 2 years. This study included 30 patients after fulfilment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional Ethical Committee. Results: In this study 30 cases of hydatid disease were studied, the most common age group involved in this disease was 21-30 years. . Most of our patients were females 18 cases (60%) and males 12 cases (40%). Male: Female ratio of our study is 1:1.5. Majority of patients presented with abdominal pain 24 cases (80%) followed by vomiting in 5 cases (16.7%), palpable mass was found in 1 case (3.3%) and Jaundice in 1 case (3.3%). Laparoscopic hydatid cystectomy for hydatid liver was done in 10 cases (33.3%). Open hydatid cystectomy was done in 17 cases (56.7%). Conclusion: Hydatid disease can occur in any age group but is seen most commonly in middle age , females, patients belonging to low socioeconomic status and involved in farming. Low socioeconomic status, agricultural activities and association with dogs or cattle were risk factors for the disease. Absence of history of contact with cattle or dogs doesnt rule out the possibility of disease.