[Ovarian hydatic cyst. 7 cases].

Seven cases with echinococcal infection of the ovary, including 3 on both sides, were collected at the Salah Azaiz Institute of Tunis during a period of 23 years. This localisation is rare, even in an endemic country. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this affection may give rise to many different clinical signs, problems with pre-operative diagnosis. It is important to follow up these cases after operation in order to sport recurrences. The objective of surgical treatment is to achieve cure of both the hydatic cyst of the ovary and the primitive cyst simultaneously. Following this treatment, two difficulties may arise: the first one is preoperative rupture of the cyst; the second concerns fertility in these young women after two-sided salpingo-oophorectomy. Finally, when a pelvic cyst is observed systematic hydatic serology must be performed.