Hepatic hydatid cysts: presentation and surgical management in Yemen.

A total of 97 patients with hepatic hydatid cysts were examined and surgically treated over a period of 4 years. All patients, most of whom (86; 89%) were female, presented with upper abdominal swellings. Ultrasonography was of great value in confirming the diagnosis in all cases. All the hydatid cysts were treated with minimal surgical interference and the residual cavities were drained after surgery. Formalin (0.5%), the only scolicidal agent available in Yemen, was used in 73 cases of the series. There were no deaths and no recurrences.