[Hydatidosis. A survey]

With the increased influx of foreign workers, refugees and immigrants, particularly from endemic areas, we will probably see more patients with hydatid disease, chiefly hydatid disease of the liver caused by E. granulosus. Thus it is important to bring the disease to the attention of the general surgeon. The diagnosis of hydatid disease is primarily made by ultrasound and serological examination. Other tests such as CT, angiography and ERCP are as a rule only important in surgical planning and in complicated cases. Treatment is principally surgical. The choice of surgical procedure should be individualized as much as possible due to the many aspects of the disease. Drainage of residual cavities should be avoided. Preoperative evaluation by ERCP is indicated in cases complicated by biliary communication. Percutaneous drainage can be indicated in cases of recurrence and in cysts of poor accessability. Medical treatment has its place primarily pre- and postoperatively. The preferred drug is albendazole. Mebendazole is now considered obsolete. It is not possible to monitor the effect of treatment with current serological methods.