Single-stage surgical management of simultaneous pulmonary and splenic hydatidosis: A rare case report

Introduction: hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, primarily affects the liver and lungs, with splenic involvement being exceedingly rare, occurring in only 0.5 % of cases. This case report highlights a 17-year-old male presenting with a complicated hydatid cyst in the lung, along with an incidental splenic cyst, emphasizing the importance of single-stage surgery in treating multi-organ hydatid disease.

Case presentation: a 17-year-old male presented with a three-month history of left-sided chest pain and a dry cough. Imaging revealed a complicated hydatid cyst in the left lung and an incidental splenic cyst. Serological tests confirmed the presence of anti-hydatid antibodies. A single-stage surgical approach was performed via a transthoracic route, involving cystectomy and pericystectomy for the pulmonary cyst, followed by removal of the splenic cyst. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth day with a six-month course of oral albendazole.

Discussion: hydatid disease is a significant public health issue, with simultaneous pulmonary and splenic involvement being rare. Surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of treatment for pulmonary hydatid disease, with medical therapy used as an adjunct. In this case, a single-stage surgery was chosen due to its advantages, such as reduced anesthesia, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Conclusion: single-stage surgery provides an effective and efficient option for managing multi-organ hydatid disease. This case highlights its feasibility and benefits, particularly in young patients from endemic regions.