Capitonnage method for surgical management of pulmonary hydatid cysts: A retrospective study

Introduction: Hydatid disease of the lung, which is caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is commonly found in Mediterranean countries. Surgery is the primary mode of treatment for patients with pulmonary hydatid disease. This study aims to assess the efficacy of capitonnage in the management of the condition. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between February 2017 and December 2019.  Patients with different presentations of pulmonary hydatid disease were treated surgically with cyst enucleation and capitonnage technique. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia, in a lateral position. Results: A total of 118 patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts were included in this study. There were 73 (61.9%) male and 45 (38.1%) female, with a mean age of 30 years. More than one-third (45 patients) were asymptomatic, and 73 (61.9%) complained of chest pain, cough, and/or respiratory distress.  Forty-nine patients (41.5%) had right lung involvement. No death occurred in this study. Conclusion: when the capitonnage technique is carefully applied to the folds of the pericystic tissue, the rate of atelectasis and distortion is very low and may reduce the risk of postoperative air leaks.