ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience in the surgical treatment of pulmonary echinococcosis, and evaluate the operative approach to avoid recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of 198 cases with pulmonary echinococcosis from January 2000 to October 2010 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, involving the general conditions, clinical course, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, therapeutic approaches and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 114 male and 84 female patients aged from 2 to 68 years with a mean of 25.5 years. Herdsmen accounted for 74.7% (148/198), and the juveniles occupied 21.7% (43/198). The major operative methods were complete removal of endocyst and cystectomy with needle aspiration. All the 198 cases were improved or cured. Postoperative pulmonary infection occurred in 9 case (4.5%), 7 cases (3.5%) suffered from wound dehiscence and 4 cases (2.0%) had wound infection, but cured by dressing. 165 patients (83.3%) were followed up for 1-10 years. The recurrence rate was 5.6% (11/198). Patients with recurrence were cured after operation. 198 patients received 226 operations. CONCLUSION: Complete removal of endocyst is the main method for pulmonary echinococcosis with better effect and less recurrence.
