Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations, and TreatmentOutcomes of Intra-Abdominal Hydatid Cysts:Insights from a Single Center Study in Yemen

Background: Intra-abdominal hydatid cysts pose a significant health challenge in endemic regions, such as Yemen. This study aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients at a single center in Yemen.Methods: This prospective descriptive study included 158 patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal hydatid cysts between November 2021 and November 2023. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive and chi-squared statistics.Results: Of the 158 patients, 54.0% were female, and the 21–50 age group was the most affected (62.6%). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (65.2%), and 34.8% were asymptomatic. CT was the primary diagnostic tool used (71.5%). Surgery, mainly endocystectomy, was the main treatment (65.2%), and wound infection was the most frequent complication (41.8%). Cyst localization significantly correlated with clinical outcomes (χ2=18.64, p=0.017).Conclusion: Intra-abdominal hydatid cysts in Yemen primarily affect young-to-middle-aged females. Abdominal pain is the most frequent presentation and CT is essential for diagnosis. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment option, resulting in favorable outcomes. Standardized protocols are vital to improve patient care.