[Myocutaneous latissimus dorsi sliding flap in reconstruction of the lower thoracic wall in chronic fistula caused by cystic echinococcosis of the liver].

We report the successful treatment of a 47-year-old man who had a 22-year history of chronic discharge from a hepatic echinococcal cyst. Before treatment in our unit there had been 8 previous attempts to control the fistula. By means of a right thoracoabdominal incision (with resection of the 7th and 8th ribs) it was possible to perform a cystectomy with subsequent marsupialisation of the residual cyst wall to the skin. However, after 2 weeks subsequent treatment with maximal Albendazol therapy there was still a big persistent cavity which required further débridement. This resulted in resolution of the infection and allowed a definitive closure of the big cavity and the thoracoabdominal wall using a myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap. The patient's subsequent course has been uneventful with no recurrence of the fistula.