[Diagnosis and treatment of a hydatid cyst of the liver. Report of 52 cases (author's transl)].

A series of 52 hydatid cysts of the liver is reported. It is emphasized that diagnosis should be easily done with simple explorations as liver scan, echography, immunologic tests. As far as treatment is concerned the possibility of anaphylactic accidents during operation must be kept in mind. To avoid as much as possible postoperative complications special attention must be taken in the choice of the operative technic. In young, unilocular cysts hydatidectomy should be performed. In old cysts complete resection of both cyst and adjacent hepatic parenchyma (pericystectomy) gives the best results.