Perforation of hydatid cyst into the common bile duct; report of four cases

Four cases of hydatid cysts which perforated into the common bile duct are presented. Jaundice was the presenting symptom in three cases. The operative treatment consisted of choledochotomy, evacuation of the daughter cysts and the membrane of the mother cyst and drainage through the T-tube. In one case, it was possible to open the mother cyst, evacuate its contents and drain it externally.