Mehmet Zafer SABUNCUOĞLU, İsa SÖZEN, Bilal TURAN, Serdar ACAR, İsa KARACA, Ahmet Burak ERDOĞAN
Gulhane Medical Journal - 2026;68(3):151-159
Aims: This single-center case series aimed to evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and surgical outcomes of hydatid cysts in atypical locations. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery between 2014 and 2024 for pathologically confirmed hydatid cysts located outside the liver, spleen, and pancreas. Postoperative recurrence, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the need for reoperation were evaluated. All patients were assessed by ultrasonography, computed tomography, or both according to standard diagnostic protocols for hydatid disease, and received albendazole as adjuvant therapy regardless of cyst localization. Results: Ten patients (mean age 44.5+/-17.7 years; 8 females, 2 males) were included. Cysts were localized to the musculoskeletal tissues (n=5, 50%), the retroperitoneum (n=3, 30%), the adrenal gland (n=1, 10%), and the adnexal region (n=1, 10%). Total cyst excision was performed in eight patients (80%), while cystotomy and drainage were required in two patients (20%). Postoperative recurrence was observed in two patients (20%): one following excision of a gluteal cyst and the other after drainage of a retroperitoneal cyst; both underwent reoperation. No intraoperative or postoperative complications or mortality were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: This case series demonstrates that hydatid cysts with atypical localization present with diverse anatomical involvement and may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence, particularly after non-radical surgical procedures. Careful preoperative evaluation and complete surgical excision, when feasible, may reduce the need for reoperation in these patients.
