Factors increasing mortality in Echinococcosis patients treated percutaneously or surgically. A review of 1,143 patients: a retrospective single center study.

OBJECTIVE

While cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious problem in underdeveloped countries, it also becomes a serious public health problem in developed countries due to recent migration and population movements. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pregnancy, multi-organ involvement, treatment methods, and emergency surgery (unfollowed patients), with mortality in patients with CE who underwent surgical or percutaneous treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, demographic characteristics, pregnancy status, organ involvement, development of relapse and anaphylaxis, need for intensive care and mortality rates of patients with CE treated with percutaneous or surgical methods at Harran University Hospital between January 1997 to January 2022 were investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 1,143 patients who underwent surgery or percutaneous treatment for CE, 18 were pregnant. Mortality was found to be significantly higher in pregnant patients with CE (p<0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in those who developed anaphylaxis (p<0.001). In percutaneous treatment, recurrence (p<0.001) and anaphylaxis (p=0.026) were found to be significantly higher. Mortality was found to be three times higher in patients without follow-up who were operated on urgently (p=0.108).

CONCLUSIONS

CE is a disease that can occur at any age and can be fatal. Although multi-organ involvement and percutaneous treatment may be associated with recurrence, they do not directly increase mortality. The mortality is high, especially in pregnant women with pulmonary CE. Cardiac involvement, brain involvement and anaphylaxis increase mortality. Mortality is higher in patients without follow-up who are operated on urgently.