An urgent liver echinococcectomy due to cyst rupture and peritonitis was performed in 15 children, aged 7-14 years. 10 patients were operated on laparoscopically, 5 children had an open operation. A 4-throacar access was used. After aspiration of free hydatid fluid from the peritoneal cavity, a chitin capsule was aspirated. A fibrous capsule was processed with betadine 1% solution. The cyst cavity was drained. All patients received albendazole (10 mg/kg) during 4 weeks postoperatively. Laparoscopic method proved to be more preferable then open technique.