[Retrovesical hydatid cyst: diagnosis and treatment in 8 cases].

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid cyst represents a real public health problem in Tunisia. Retrovesical hydatid cyst is rare (6% to 7%). It is considered to be an "aberrant" or "ectopic" site defined by the development of the parasite in the subvesical and retrovesical fat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1988 to 2001, 8 patients with retrovesical hydatid cyst were hospitalised and operated in our Urology department at Sahloul Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia. The mean age of our patients was 41 years (range: 8 to 75 years). Signs of bladder irritation were the most frequent presenting complaint. Only one case was diagnosed on computed tomography performed for assessment of lumbar contusion. Total resection of the cyst and pericystic tissues was performed in 5 patients, with partial resection in the other cases.

RESULTS: The postoperative course was uneventful and only one patient developed suppuration of the residual cavity, which responded favourably to antibiotics and ultrasound-guided drainage.

CONCLUSION: The retrovesical site of hydatid cyst is rare and treatment is essentially surgical.