Simultaneous operation for coexisting lung and liver hydatid cysts: a treatment modality.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hydatid disease is very common in our region. Whether or not coexisting cysts of lung and liver should be operated on simultaneously is a challenging question.

METHODOLOGY

Of 127 patients operated on for hydatid cysts of the lung between 1990 and 1995, 23 (18%) had coexisting hydatid cysts of the right lung and liver. There were 12 male and 11 female patients with an average age of 34 years.

RESULTS

All patients had simultaneous operations for both organs via right thoracotomy with an incision in the diaphragm (phrenotomy). In the lung, cystotomy and capitonnage were performed in 21 patients and wedge resection in 2; in the liver, cystotomy and capitonnage were performed in all 23 patients. No hospital mortality occurred.

CONCLUSION

Coexisting hydatid cysts of the right lung and liver should be surgically treated simultaneously.