[Pericystic pathology and surgery of hepatic hydatidosis. Studies and personal experiences]

In the general study of the consequences of hydatid cysts on the parenchyma of the organ involved, particular interest was given to the conditions of the pericyst. Thus a genuine pericystic pathology was systematized for most evolved pericysts. The signs vary according to the various conditions, sometimes including simple fibrosis, sometimes calcifications with specific and different appearances, almost always chronic inflammation. Fissuration was rare and, more importantly, exogenous vesiculation, a frequent cause of recurrence, was more often noted. The treatment is chosen on these bases, and determined by the local situation, hepatobiliary complications and the general condition of the patient. The author demonstrates the surgical evolution he followed in relation with the progress made in liver surgery, from plain drainage methods to radical pericystectomy and hepatic resection procedures. The conclusions he has drawn as a Symposium moderator during the World Congress of Hydatology held in Madrid in 1985, which will be summed up in the report, still seem to be perfectly valid.