RESUMO
BACKGROUND: We compared the number of incisions, surgical procedures, hospital duration, and complications in hydatid cyst patients with unilateral or bilateral thoracic involvement and concomitant involvement of the extrathoracic organs. METHODS: A total of 76 hydatid cyst cases surgically treated between the years 2007 and 2012 were divided into three groups according to radiological evidence of other organ involvement and surgical procedures: group 1 had only unilateral thoracic involvement and a single incision; group 2 had additional involvement of the contralateral thoracic side or extrathoracic organs and at most two incisions were performed at the same session; and group 3 had two or more incisions performed at separate sessions in addition to the involvement features of group 2. RESULTS: We had 46 (60.5 %) cases with only thoracic involvement and 30 others (39.5 %) with extrathoracic organ involvement. Complications were seen in only one patient each in the first and second groups, and in 6 patients in the third group. Duration of hospital stay was 7.04 ± 0.86 (5-9) days in group 1.8.33 ± 1.87 (7-13) days in group 2, and 13.95 ± 2.03 (9-18) days in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Although multiple session surgery is used to decrease the risk of complications, contamination, and infection in multiple or bilateral pulmonary hydatid cyst cases, or in patients with other organ involvement, single-session surgery can be used in selected cases taking into account the operative trauma, financial consequences, and psychological profile.