Methods: Ninety seven patients (61 male, 36 girl; mean age 10.3 years; range 1 to 16 years) under 16 years of age with hydatid cysts who were operated on between January 2001 and January 2007 in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up with physical examination and chest X-ray following surgery. Microbiological culture was collected from the patients with suspected infection. The complications occurred within the first 48 hours following surgery were defined as early complications, while the complications occurred between 48 hours to 30 days were defined as late complications.

Results: Ninety of the cysts were unilateral and seven were bilateral. Forty five of the unilateral hydatid cysts were located in the right lung, while the others were located in left lung. Eight patients had concomitant lung and liver hydatid cysts. Within the first 48 hours following surgery, atelectasis was observed in 17 patients (17.5% the most common complication) and these patients underwent bronch oscopy. Postural drainage and nebulization were also administered. One patient developed pneumonia and he was treated with antibiotics. Prolonged air leak was observed in four patients (4.1%) and they were treated with continued tube thoracostomy. Two patients with prolonged air leak were ventilated with positive pressure under general anesthesia. Wound infection was seen in two patients. Regular wound dressing change and antibiotic treatment were performed on these patients. Empyema was occurred in two patients. These patients were treated with antibiotics and continued tube thoracostomy.

Conclusion: Atelectasis, which is the most common postoperative complication, should be immediately treated. It must be kept in mind that early treatment of atelectasis prevents the development of more severe complications in children.