Simultaneous operation for right pulmonary and liver echinococcosis.

Of 156 patients referred in 1977-1987 for pulmonary hydatid cyst, nine were found to have simultaneous affection of the right lung and the liver. The diagnosis of concomitant liver cyst was made from radiographic dumbbell elevation of the diaphragm (3 cases), by preoperative ultrasound scan and computed tomography in (5 cases), and by intraoperative palpation through the diaphragm (1 case). The hepatic cysts were removed via the thoracotomy performed for removal of the lung cyst in seven patients and via thoracolaparotomy in two. The postoperative course was satisfactory and no recurrence of cyst has been observed, although mebendazole was not given. In cases of hydatidosis of the right lung, preoperative search should be made for subdiaphragmatic concomitant liver cyst which can be removed through the same thoracotomy.