Asian Journal of Research in Surgery

Aims: This case series describes the minimally invasive management of hydatid disease involving four anatomically distinct organs and evaluates the feasibility and peri-operative safety of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches in selected patients.

Presentation of Case: Four patients with hydatid cysts involving the liver, kidney, lung, and spleen were managed at a tertiary care centre in Rajasthan, India. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography and/or contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings consistent with hydatid disease. All patients received albendazole for 14 days before surgery. The operative approach was planned according to the involved organ and cyst characteristics. The hepatic cyst was managed by laparoscopic aspiration, de-roofing, and marsupialization; the renal cyst by laparoscopic aspiration and de-roofing; the pulmonary cyst by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with cyst aspiration, de-roofing, and intercostal drainage; and the splenic cyst by laparoscopic cystectomy. Standard precautions were used in all cases, including operative-field protection and the use of hypertonic saline as a scolicidal agent.

Discussion: All four procedures were completed using minimally invasive techniques without conversion to open surgery. No intraoperative cyst spillage, anaphylactic reaction, or significant postoperative complication was documented. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. These findings support the practical feasibility of organ-specific minimally invasive procedures when careful patient selection, preoperative albendazole therapy, and meticulous intraoperative precautions are applied.

Conclusion: In this single-centre experience, laparoscopic and thoracoscopic management of hydatid cysts affecting the liver, kidney, lung, and spleen was feasible and was associated with favourable short-term perioperative outcomes. Longer follow-up is required before conclusions can be drawn regarding recurrence or durability of treatment.