WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Ranaa Nafei Majeed*, Dr. Majid Khalid Ali and Dr. Mohammed Shamil Younis Khayyat

ABSTRACT

Background: Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, affecting herbivorous animals and humans. It's a major health issue in endemic areas, with asymptomatic diagnosis and nonspecific laboratory tests. Laparoscopic evacuation of hydatid cysts was the common treatment. Aim: to examines hydatid disease in children, focusing on clinical and epidemiological aspects, geographical distribution, presentation, common sites, and surgical techniques. Patients And Methods: A study of 50 patients with hydatid disease in Al-Mosul General Hospitals from 2004 to 2007. The patients, aged four to fifteen and were referred from northern Iraq. The study collected data on patient demographics, operative findings, postoperative complications, and follow-up. Management was based on cyst site, with lung cysts operated through thoracotomy and hepatic cysts explored using subcostal or paramedian incisions. Postoperative antihelmenthic drugs were used in cases of cyst rupture or multiple cysts. Results: The study examined 50 patients with hydatid disease, predominantly females from rural areas with a history of animal contact. Symptoms ranged from 10 days to 1 year, with leading symptoms being anorexia and weight loss in lung and liver hydatid disease. Most patients had lung involvement, with cysts mostly in the lower lobes. Only 14% underwent surgery, with common complications being bronchopleural fistula, fever, prolonged air leak, and wound infection. Conclusion: Pulmonary hydatid disease, a common issue in rural areas, affects females, leading to weight loss and anorexia. Diagnosis involves radiologic imaging and surgical procedures.