The intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver.

The intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver is a severe and relatively frequent complication. In this study six similar cases are presented. 4 of the cases had hydatid cyst surgery before the admission. The obstructive jaundice, cholangitis and unclosed bile fistula are the most frequent clinical findings. Ultrasound is very useful for the diagnosis. In the cases of space occupying lesions of the liver with wide choledochus (1.1 cm >) the intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst can be suspected by ultrasonographic examinations. Surgical therapy as the capitonnage combined with the resection of the projecting dome of the cyst and T tube application remains a method which gives good results and has low mortality and morbidity.