Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous treatment of renal hydatid cysts.
Methods: Four male and one female (14-52 years old, mean = 37 years) patients with five renal cysts were treated percutaneously. All five cysts from the patients were pure fluid collections, which were consistent with type I hydatid cysts according to Gharbi's classification. After entering the cystic cavity under sonographic guidance, cystic fluid was aspirated, and the cavity was filled with hypertonic saline (15% NaCl). In three patients with cysts larger than 6 cm in diameter, catheterization was performed under fluoroscopic guidance, and the cavity was filled with 95% absolute alcohol to sclerotize the cyst walls. In two patients with cysts smaller than 6 cm in diameter, the procedure was carried out by a technique in which the cyst was puncture aspirated, hypertonic saline solution was injected, and the cyst was reaspirated. The patients were followed by ultrasonography and computed tomography. Follow up was 5-62 months (mean = 33.8 months).
Results: Sonographic follow-up examinations indicated a gradual decrease in cyst size and volume. The size reduction was significant (p < 0.05). The volume reduction rate was 55-95% (mean = 81%). During follow up, fluid components of all five cysts reduced gradually and finally disappeared, leaving a remnant that is called a "pseudotumor appearance." Neither mortality nor any dissemination was encountered during follow up. The only complication seen in this series was an abscess that was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage.
Conclusion: According to the results of our study, percutaneous treatment of renal hydatid cysts avoids the morbidity of open surgery and preserves the residual function of the kidney.