[Hepatic echinococcosis and its surgical treatment].

973 patients were operated for the period of 14 years for echinococcosis of the abdominal cavity. Echinococcosis of the liver was revealed in 742 (76.2%) patients.

[Diagnosis and treatment of liver abscesses].

The results of the diagnosis, the clinical picture, and the treatment of hepatic abscesses in 68 patients are analysed. Ultrasonic examination plays an essential role in the diagnosis of the disease. Percutaneous transhepatic puncture with aspiration of the contents of the hepatic abscess was conducted in 17 patients under control of ultrasonic study.

[Diagnosis and treatment of postoperative bile peritonitis].

Over 7 years the authors had 37 cases of biliary peritonitis, in 19 of which the complication occurred after operation on the liver and biliary tract. The clinical picture was determined by the amount and rate of escape of bile into the abdominal cavity. The course of biliary peritonitis is often masked because the disease has no specific signs.

[Surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis using carbon dioxide laser].

The results of using the laser scalpel in surgery for echinococcosis of the liver in 68 patients are discussed. It was established that carbon dioxide laser induces coagulation of small blood vessels and intrahepatic bile ducts and thus prevents postoperative complications like bleeding and escape of bile, destroys live protoscoleces, and has a harmful effect on the microflora. This creates favourable conditions for shortening the period of treatment for patients with echinococcosis.