Hydatid cysts in pancreas: laparoscopic approach

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus and is endemic in many areas of the world. Hydatid cysts are commonly located in the liver and lung. Pancreas affection is very rare even in endemic areas. 36-year-old female with the suspicion of hydatid disease of the pancreas 5 years before her admission. The patient gave history of epigastric pain and weight lose. CT scan and MRI showed a cystic lesion of the tail of the pancreas and the diagnosis of hydatid disease was confirmed with ELIZA and Western Blot. The patient underwent a laparoscopic distal spleno pancreatectomy. The recovery was uneventful. Hydatid disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of the cystic lesions of the pancreas, especially in patients who come from endemic areas.