Between 1980 and 1985, 40 patients were treated surgically for hydatid disease of the liver. In 4 cases (10%) jaundice was the first and most conspicuous sign of this disease. The patients originated from Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Lebanon. In 2 of these cases the initial diagnosis was hepatitis; one patient was operated on for suspected acute cholecystitis. All 4 patients had an eosinophilia and positive hydatid serology. Hydatid material was found in the biliary tract in two cases, while bile-stained hydatid fluid proved that there was a communication between cystic cavity and biliary tract in the other two patients. Obstruction of the common bile duct by hydatid elements causes jaundice and probably also cholangitis. Calcifications in the cyst are no guarantee against future complications. Surgery is the treatment of choice. When patients from an endemic area present with jaundice, hydatid disease of the liver should be suspected, particularly if eosinophilia also exists.