Left pancreatectomy for primary hydatid cyst of the body of pancreas

Background

Hydatid disease is a considerable health problem worldwide. Primary hydatid disease of the pancreas is very rare.

Case report

We report the case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and an epigastric mass. A diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the pancreas was established by ultrasonography before surgery. The treatment consisted of a distal pancreatectomy. The postoperative evolution was simple.

Conclusion

Hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cystic masses in the pancreas, especially in the geographical regions where the disease is endemic. Surgical removal remains the main form of definitive treatment. Sometimes only one conservative procedure can be performed.