Management for hydatid cysts of the lung ruptured in the pleural cavity

Abstract

Our purpose is to report our experience in the management of pulmonary hydatid cysts ruptured in the pleura. Materiel and methods: We collected all records of patients with a ruptured hydatid cyst of the lung in the pleura who underwent surgery for this in the department of thoracic surgery of the CHU Hassan II of Fes during the 6-year period that started in 2010. The study included 20men and 14women with an average age of 30.44 ± 18.4years. Radiological findings showed a hydropneumothorax in 21cases, hydrothorax in 10, pachypleuritis in 29, and a floating membrane in 13cases. In all cases, pleuropulmonary decortication was associated with pericystectomy in 20cases and parenchymal resection in 3cases. A hydatid membrane bathing in the pleural cavity was found in 32cases. The postoperative course was uneventful in 28cases. Long-term follow-up should be established to detect possible recurrences or pleural dissemination, which appear to be prevented by long-term use of anthelmintic agents.