부산대학교 도서관

Objective: Bilateral pulmonary involvement is observed in around 14% of cases of pulmonary hydatid cysts and the treatment can be challenging. This study evaluates the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies used for cases of bilateral pulmonary hydatid cysts.Materials and methods: A retrospective examination was conducted on 107 consecutive cases of bilateral pulmonary hydatid cysts treated in our clinic between January 2003 and December 2023.Results: Out of the 107 cases analyzed, 57 (53.3%) were male and 50 (46.7%) were female. Surgical intervention was performed for pulmonary hydatid cysts in 92 cases (86.0%), while medical treatment was prescribed for the remaining 15 cases (14.0%). Bilateral thoracotomies were consecutively conducted in 77 cases; in 11 cases, thoracotomy was carried out on one side and contralateral hydatid cysts were treated medically. Three cases underwent sternotomy, and one underwent bilateral thoracotomy during a single session. One case experienced postoperative hemorrhage, three cases had prolonged air leakage, two cases had empyema, one case had a wound infection, and one case had a recurrence of hydatid cyst. For bilaterally operated cases, albendazole treatment commenced after the second operation and was carried out in two 15-day cycles. Patients who declined, or were not eligible for surgery, were treated with albendazole for an extended period.Conclusions: Consecutive bilateral thoracotomy, followed by two cycles of albendazole therapy, is a highly effective treatment for patients with bilateral pulmonary hydatid cysts. In cases with widespread involvement, ruptured small cysts, or serious comorbidities, long-term medical treatment including albendazole administration may be applied.