pressure within hydatid cysts

ABSTRACT

The internal fluid pressure of 62 echinococcal hydatid cysts in various organs was measured intraoperatively in 36 patients. Growing hydatid cysts, whether intact univesicular, or previously ruptured multivesicular, demonstrated a fluid pressure distinctly higher than that of surrounding tissues, reflecting viability of the parasitic elements within the cyst. The highest pressure of 98 cm of water, was recorded for a univesicular cyst in the superior portion of the liver. Lung and intra-abdominal cysts registered lower internal pressure. Degenerating cysts showed little or no internal pressure. Relief of its internal fluid pressure seems a logical preliminary step in the surgical management of hydatid cysts