[Hydatid cysts of the lung treated surgically]

Pulmonary echinococcosis is still widespread in Tunisia as in most countries of North Africa. The segment of population affected is young; 198(74%) of 268 patients studied by the authors were less than 30 years old. There were no symptoms in 8% of patients and 92% presented with some complication. The treatment of choice is surgical but conservative pericystectomy was performed in 204 (76%) patients and resection in 64 (24%). Operative mortality was 1.5% and postoperative complications were noted in 8% of patient with an infected cyst. If it is impossible to prevent the disease, the authors recommend early detection, permitting surgical treatment without complications.