[Outcomes after thoracotomy for intra-abdominal hydatid cysts ruptured into the thorax (a 160 case series)]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the results of the surgical treatment of abdominal hydatid cysts ruptured in the thorax.

Patients and methods: We collected data from 160 patients who experienced the intra-thoracic rupture of an abdominal hydatid cyst during the period 1997 - 2008: 158 located in the liver, one in the spleen and one in the kidney, which had been treated surgically in a single centre. Diagnosis was based on a history of surgery for abdominal hydatid cysts, specific symptoms including biliptysis (40% of the cases) and expectoration of hydatid cysts, as well as radiological findings (chest x-ray; abdominal ultrasound and CT-scan). All patients were operated on through a thoracotomy.

Results: In-hospital mortality was 7.5%. Postoperative complications occurred in 16% and mainly consisted of pleural and pulmonary disorders.

Conclusion: Thoracotomy offers simultaneous and adequate access to address thoracic and abdominal injuries with a reasonable mortality and morbidity in patients with this condition.