[Giant hydatid of the left lung]

A case of giant hydatid cyst of the left lung submitted to conservative surgery is reported. The postoperative period was complicated by the appearance of a bronchopleural fistula and a residual cavity. The complication was treated with targeted double lumen drainage which enabled pleuroclysis with saline solution and betadine. The closure of the fistula, the elision of the cavity and recovery were accomplished after 95 days. These results demonstrate that conservative surgery is possible even in the presence of giant lung hydatid cyst. Major resections constitute an extreme measure.