The aim of this study was to observe the response of hydatid disease in children to albendazole, either combined with or without surgery. The study was performed at Dr. L. Calvo Mackenna Hospital, between 1997 and 2000, in 15 patients. Thirteen patients received post surgery treatment because of daughter cyst finding and 2 received chemotherapy only. Albendazole was given orally (dose: 5 mg/kg bid for a mean time of 25 days) in 1 to 5 courses. Treatment evaluation was based on changes in cyst morphology, sonography and computed tomography, hematological and serological analysis. Seven patients had full response; the other had clinical and serological improvement. According with previously published experience, albendazole was efficient as a paliative pharmacological treatment instead of surgical procedure, in case of non-practicable hydatid cyst surgery. Moreover, albendazole is useful in case of multiple daughter cysts, well tolerated and reduced side effects in the follow-up.