Percutaneous drainage of renal hydatid cyst: early results and follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a combination of percutaneous drainage and medical prophylaxis in the treatment of renal hydatid cyst to assist renal preservation, decrease morbidity and shorten the duration of hospital stay.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four patients (three men and a woman, age range 26-31 years) with non-communicating renal hydatid cysts were selected for treatment using percutaneous drainage. This was performed under medical prophylaxis with albendazole and praziquentel. Ethanol (95%) was used as a scolicidal agent.

RESULTS

The method was successful in preserving three of four renal units but one unit was ablated because of secondary infection and haematuria. The kidneys of three patients were functioning adequately after a mean follow-up of 21.6 months from percutaneous drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous drainage of renal hydatid cysts is a safe and effective method for preventing renal loss, and decreasing morbidity and the duration of hospital stay. It should be employed as the first option for renal hydatid disease.