Multiple debridement of cavity lesions combined with antiparasitic chemotherapy in the treatment of mid or advanced spinal echinococcosis: a retrospective study of 33 patients.

• Multiple debridement of cavity lesions can be used to treat spinal echinococcosis. • A large case series of spinal echinococcosis is reported. • An individualized presurgical plan should be carefully considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and document the complications and outcomes (bone and functional) of multiple debridement of cavity lesions combined with antiparasitic chemotherapy in the treatment of mid or advanced spinal echinococcosis. From January 2007 to February 2019, the medical records and imaging of all patients with mid or advanced spinal echinococcosis, who were treated by multiple debridement of cavity lesions, were evaluated retrospectively. The Braithwaite and Less classification system of spinal echinococcosis and the Frankel classification system were used to evaluate the results, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Between January 2007 and February 2019, 33 patients met the criteria and were included in this study, with a mean postoperative follow-up time of 4.9 (1–10) years. They included 18 males (54.5%) and 15 females (45.4%), with a mean age of 41.5 years (range 23–70 years). A satisfactory recovery of lower-limb motor function was found in 32 patients, while 24 patients (72.7%) presented with recurrence of spinal echinococcosis. Multiple debridement and spinal cord decompression, combined with antiparasitic chemotherapy after surgery, are effective methods for delaying or preventing disease progression or recurrence. A recurrence of infection is common in most cases. CT and MRI are the preferred methods for diagnosing this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]