Epidemiological characteristics of abdominal hydatidosis among adult surgery patients in the Al-Jahra district in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Dogs are kept in the Al-Jahra area as part of a traditional lifestyle based on raising sheep. Dogs and sheep are reservoirs for Echinoccocus granulosus, a parasite causing hydatidosis in humans. Thirty- seven cases seen and/or treated at the Al-Jahra Hospital, Kuwait between 1991-96 were reviewed. The female/male ratio of these cases was 41 and the mean age was 43.7 years. In 27% of cases, silent cysts were discovered inadvertently, and did not receive any treatment. In most cases where surgery was performed, cysts were excised with or without drainage of the cavity, and only 7 cases developed post operative complications. On average, patients with a drain stayed in hospital for a relatively longer period and had a higher likelihood of complications than those without. The study indicated that excision of the cyst without drainage offered a better quality of recovery for patients. Better public health measures need to be taken in areas where livestock are kept near human habitations