Congenital biliary dilatation may consist of 2 disease entities

Background/Purpose

This study aims to establish the possible mechanisms of pathogenesis of congenital biliary dilatation and to classify the disease accordingly.

Methods

Radiologic features of congenital biliary dilatation and pancreaticobiliary malunion in 107 affected children were examined and correlated with laboratory results. Relative lengths/diameters were calculated to provide comparison between children of different ages. Intraluminal pressures of common bile duct (CBD) were measured intraoperatively.

Results

The minimal relative diameters of distal CBD negatively correlated with the maximal relative diameters/lengths of dilated CBD, the maximal relative diameters of common hepatic duct, and left/right hepatic ducts. The intraluminal pressure in patients with a stenotic distal CBD (stenotic group) was significantly higher than that in patients with a nonstenotic distal CBD (nonstenotic group). The narrower the distal CBD, the more deranged the liver function. Conversely, serum/bile amylase levels were more elevated in the nonstenotic group. Common channel protein plugs were only found in the nonstenotic group, whereas common hepatic duct strictures, intrahepatic duct dilatations, and calculi were detected more frequently in the stenotic group.

Conclusion

We propose to categorize congenital biliary dilatation into 2 subgroups: (1) cystic type with stenotic distal CBD associated with deranged liver function and common hepatic duct stricture and (2) fusiform type with nonstenotic distal CBD associated with pancreatitis and common channel protein plugs. Different underlying pathologies of each group require different operative strategies.     

Surgical treatment for anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct with nondilatation of the common bile duct

Background/purpose

For anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AAPBD) with nondilatation of the common bile duct (CBD), the optimal surgical procedure remains controversial. The authors investigated which procedure would be most effective for AAPBD with nondilatation of the CBD.

Methods

The authors encountered 60 children with AAPBD in our institution between 1979 and 2002. Six of the 60 were classified as the nondilated type (CBD diameter; less than 8 mm), whereas the other 54 were classified as the dilated type (CBD diameter; more than 9 mm). Amylase levels in serum, CBD, and gallbladder were examined. Cellular activity of the resected gallbladder was examined for the incidence of hyperplasia and Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI).

Results

The amylase level in the nondilated type was elevated as in the dilated type. Epithelial hyperplasia of the gallbladder was present in 4 of the 6 with the nondilated type (67%). 10 of the 20 with the dilated type (50%), and none of the 6 controls (0%). The Ki-67 LI of the dilated type was significantly higher than that of control.

Conclusions

A free reflux of pancreatic juice into the biliary system was found regardless of dilatation, and cellular proliferative activity of the gallbladder mucosa was increased in both the nondilated and dilated type. Therefore, excision of the extrahepatic bile duct including cholecystectomy is recommended for AAPBD with nondilatation of the CBD.     

Under pressure: choledochal malformation manometry

Purpose

The cause of choledochal (cystic or fusiform) malformation is not known. A favoured hypothesis suggests that abnormal reflux of activated pancreatic secretions via a common pancreatobiliary channel may initiate mucosal injury and mural weakness leading to bile duct dilatation, at normal intraduct pressures. However, bile duct pressures in both normal or disease states are not known in such children.

Methods

Intraoperative choledochal pressure (CP) measurements were made before any other manipulation. Bile was cultured and its amylase content measured. Biochemical liver function (bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase) was measured. Data were quoted as median (interquartile range). Statistical tests were parametric, where appropriate, and P = .05 was regarded as significant.

Results

Twenty-five children (age 2.5 [1.25-5.91] years) with choledochal (cystic [n = 13] and fusiform [n = 12]) malformation coming to surgery were studied. Median CP was 13 (8.5-17) mm Hg. Median bile amylase was 6722 (241-18,000) IU/L. Choledochal pressure inversely correlated with bile amylase (r = −0.60, P = .001), serum aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.46, P = .01), and log γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (r = 0.4, P = .04) but not with bilirubin (P = .11), alkaline phosphatase (P = .20), or age (P = .11). No difference in CP, bile amylase, or liver biochemistry could be identified between the 2 biliary phenotypes. All bile cultures were sterile.

Conclusions

Increased CP is inversely related to the level of bile amylase (and hence degree of the functional common channel). This suggests that obstructive stenosis at the level of the pancreato-biliary junction (but not the ampulla) may be a causal factor in a proportion of choledochal malformations.     

Hepaticojejunostomy and intrahepatic cystojejunostomy for type IV-A choledochal cyst

Background

The incidence of choledochal cyst with intrahepatic involvement (Todani's type IV-A cyst) is considerably high. Dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct is frequently observed around the hepatic hilum, occasionally in the umbilical portion, and rarely in the more upstream intrahepatic bile duct, associated with or without downstream stricture. We recently encountered 2 children with type IV-A cyst associated with upstream intrahepatic ductal dilatation; one with a cystic dilatation of the medial branch arising from the left hepatic duct and another with a cyst of the medial branch arising from the anterior hepatic duct.

Methods

After excision of the extrahepatic bile duct cyst at the hilum and making a large fenestration of the intrahepatic duct cyst, hepaticojejunostomy and intrahepatic cystojejunostomy were performed using a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop in both children.

Results

Postoperatively, both intrahepatic cysts were remarkably reduced in size, and recurrent bouts of abdominal pain did not occur for up to 4 or 5 years.

Conclusion

Hepaticojejunostomy at the hepatic hilum, combined with intrahepatic cystojejunostomy, appears to be a recommendable procedure for an upstream intrahepatic ductal cyst of type IV-A, preventing postoperative cholangitis owing to bile stone formation.     

Clinical significance of the confluence of the cystic duct in patients with anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct

Background/Purpose

In anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AAPBD), there is anatomical diversity of the cystic duct. In this study, we evaluated the influence of the level of insertion of the cystic duct into the extrahepatic bile duct on the pathophysiology of AAPBD.

Methods

Thirty-two children with AAPBD were examined using cholangiopancreatography. If the cystic duct entered the hepatic duct at the lower middle point of the extrahepatic bile duct, it was defined as low confluence; otherwise, it was considered as high confluence. Clinical details and radiological variables were compared between these 2 groups.

Results

Low confluence was noted in 8 of the 32 patients. Seven of the 8 had fusiform-type or nondilatation-type choledochus, and the cystic-type was significantly less frequent than in the high-confluence group. The diameter of the common bile duct was significantly smaller and the main pancreatic duct was significantly greater than in the high-confluence group. Pancreatitis was more common and biliopancreatic reflux on computed tomography combined with intravenous infusion cholangiography was more often seen in the low-confluence group than in the high-confluence group.

Conclusions

Bile juice could regurgitate into the pancreatic duct via the low confluence of the cystic duct, resulting in severe pancreatitis in patients with AAPBD.     

Laparoscopic correction of biliary duct stenosis in choledochal cyst

Background/Purposes

Laparoscopy has been widely accepted as a technique for the excision of choledochal cyst, but there has been little experience using it as a therapeutic modality for hepatic duct stenosis. The aim of this study is to present our experiences in laparoscopic excision of biliary stenosis and Roux-en-Y reconstruction for patients with choledochal cysts.

Methods

Eight patients, 3 boys and 5 girls (ranged from 6 months to 12 years; median age, 3.6 years), with hepatic duct stenosis underwent laparoscopic excision of the cyst and ductoplasty, with a Roux-en-Y hepaticoenterostomy between July 2001 and January 2005. Seven of the 8 patients had common hepatic duct stenosis with intrahepatic duct dilatation, and 1 had right hepatic duct stenosis with proximal dilatation.Four ports were inserted for instruments of 3- and 5-mm sizes. Each patient underwent a laparoscopic cholangiography. The gallbladder and dilated bile ducts were completely excised. The strictures of the hepatic ducts were treated by ductoplasty. The cut end of the duct was widened by incising along the anterior wall of the hepatic duct after excision of the narrow segment. By using intraoperative bile duct endoscopy, the optimal level of resection of the common hepatic duct was determined safely without endangering the orifices of the hepatic ducts or leaving any redundant duct, and the stone debris in the bile duct was identified and washed out. The Roux-en-Y jejunal loop was fashioned extracorporeally by exteriorizing the jejunum through the umbilical incision (1.0-1.5 cm) and passed up retrocolically followed by an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy.

Results

The median duration of the operation was 4.3 hours (3.8-5.6 hours). Intraoperative bleeding was minimal, with no patients requiring blood transfusion. In 7 of the 8 cases, postoperative hospital stay ranged from 4 to 6 days; the other case had bile leak, which was cured by draining for 26 days without surgical intervention. All the patients had been followed up for 6 to 51 months. They stayed asymptomatic and well with no delayed complication.

Conclusions

Laparoscopically assisted hepatic ductoplasty is effective and safe for children with choledochal cyst. Bile duct endoscopy proved to be a valuable instrument in showing detailed variations of the biliary system and allowed a safe hepatic hilum exploration and accurate placed hepaticojejunal anastomosis.     

Laparoscopic-assisted total cyst excision of choledochal cyst and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the technical experience and outcome in laparoscopic-assisted total cyst excision of choledochal cyst with Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with choledochal cyst were studied. Their age ranged from 3 months to 9 years (average age, 3.6 years). The choledochal cysts were cyst type in 33 cases and fusiform type in the other 2 cases. Four trocars were utilized with 3- to 5-mm instrumentation. Under laparoscopic guidance, the gallbladder and the dilated bile duct were excised completely. The Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was performed extracorporeally by exteriorizing the jejunum through the extending umbilical incision (1.5 to 2 cm), and an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was carried out intracorporeally by the hand suture methods.

Results

Average duration of operation was 4.3 hours (range, 3.5 to 7.6 hours), intraoperative blood loss was 5 to 10 mL, and 8 of the 35 patients had associated hepatic ductal stenosis and underwent laparoscopic excision of the cyst and ductoplasty. In 1 of the 8 cases, bile leak was noticed from day 1 through 26 postoperatively. The postoperative course was uneventful in the other 34 patients with a hospital postoperative stay ranging from 3 to 6 days. There were no postoperative complications in the 3-month to 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic-assisted total cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy is feasible for the treatment of choledochal cyst in children.     

Intrahepatic duct dilatation in type 4 choledochal malformation: pressure-related, postoperative resolution

Background

Type 4 choledochal malformations (CMs) may be defined as those with both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation. The aims of this study were to investigate possible causes of intrahepatic duct (IHD) dilatation in CM and to define the effect of surgery over time.

Methods

This study was a single-center retrospective review of a database of all children with CM undergoing surgery (excision of extrahepatic bile duct dilatation and hepaticojejunostomy) and identified as type 4 (on imaging and at surgery). Data included intraoperative choledochal pressure measurements and biliary amylase content and were expressed as median (interquartile range [IQR]). All comparisons used nonparametric statistical tests. P ≤.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

Twenty children were identified as type 4 CM (age, 4.3 years; range, 2.7-10.4 years) with preoperative IHD dilatation (right duct: diameter [range], 8.5 [4.5-14] mm; left: 8 [4-14.5] mm). Median intraoperative choledochal pressure was 17 (8-27) mm Hg (normal, <5 mm Hg), and intraoperative bile amylase was 3647 (range, 500-58?000) IU/L (normal, <100 IU/L). Preoperative IHD diameter correlated with choledochal pressure (right: r_s=0.46, P = .03; left: r_s=0.34, P = .07) but not with biliary amylase (P = .28 and P = .39, respectively).At 1 year postsurgery, median (range) IHD diameter had decreased to 1 (1-2.5) mm for right duct (P = .0002) and 1.5 (1-3) mm for left duct (P = .0006) and remained stable for up to a 10-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that IHD dilatation is related to sustained increased intrabiliary pressure rather than any intrinsic intrahepatic CM. Effective surgery invariably reduces measured IHD toward normal values.     

Long-term outcomes after hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cyst: a 10- to 27-year follow-up

Introduction

Choledochal cyst (CC) is closely associated with anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct, which is considered a high-risk factor for biliary tract malignancy. Early diagnosis and early treatment for CC could lead to a good prognosis. This study investigated late complications and long-term outcomes after surgery for CC.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-six patients with CC and over 10 years of postoperative follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had undergone total resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy.

Results

Six patients showed liver dysfunction manifested in the first 10 years after surgery, but all returned to normal thereafter. Dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts persisted in 6 postoperatively, and in 3, this was still apparent more than 10 years after. Recurrent abdominal pain was encountered in 3, 1 had pancreas divisum with a pancreatic stone, and 1 had adhesive small bowel obstruction. Two patients developed biliary tract malignancy. A 14-year-old girl died of recurrent common bile duct cancer 2 years after the initial resection of CC with adenocarcinoma. A 26-year-old man with repeated cholangitis owing to multiple intrahepatic bile stones developed cholangiocarcinoma 26 years after the initial resection of CC. Event-free survival rate and overall survival rate were 89% (50/56) and 96% (54/56), respectively.

Conclusions

Choledochal cyst generally has an excellent prognosis with early total resection and reconstruction. Long-term surveillance for the development of malignancy is still essential, especially if there is ongoing dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct or biliary stones.     

Potential diagnostic value of pancreatic isoamylases for pancreaticobiliary maljunction with mild biliary dilatation in patients and a porcine model

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum pancreatic isoamylases for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) with mild biliary dilatation.

Methods

Serum and bile from 8 children with PBM and mild biliary dilatation (6 to 11 mm in diameter) and 4 young pigs with an anastomosis constructed between an isolated pancreas-duodenal segment and the gallbladder were studied for pancreatic isoamylases. Using an electrophoretic technique, the assay of pancreatic isoamylases was expressed by peak appearance rate (PAR). Serum from 20 healthy children served as normal controls.

Results

In the serum of the patients, preoperatively there were 5 pancreatic peaks with PAR as follows: P1, 100%; P2, 100%; P3, 100%; P4, 100%; and P5, 66.7%. These abnormal pancreatic isoamylases disappeared 2 weeks after operative treatment. In normal controls, there were only P1 (PAR, 40%) and P2 (PAR, 100%). Mild cylindrical dilatation (6 to 8 mm in diameter) of the common bile duct developed in the porcine PBM model. There were P1 (PAR, 100%) and P2 (PAR, 100%) in the porcine serum preoperatively. Thirty days and 60 days after establishing the model, there appeared in the serum 6 pancreatic peaks with PAR as follows: P1, 100%; P2, 100%; P3, 75%; P4, 100%; P5, 100%, and P6; 75%. The bile patterns of pancreatic isoenzymes in the patients and pigs were similar to those in serum.

Conclusions

Abnormal pancreatic isoamylases are characteristically present in the serum from both children and a porcine model of PBM and mild biliary dilatation. Assay for these abnormalities is promising to recognize this subset of patients in whom diagnosis remains a challenge.     

Is microsurgical technique useful in biliary reconstruction of living donor liver transplantation?

Introduction

Biliary reconstruction remains the “Achilles' heel” of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In the last decades, the technical aspects of biliary reconstruction have been debated for their impact on biliary complications in LDLT. A microsurgical technique in biliary reconstruction is more attractive.

Patients and methods

From December 2010 to June 2011, 15 primary LDLTs underwent duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction using a microscopic technique. External stents were inserted in all patients. All procedures were performed under a microscope by a single transplant microsurgeon.

Results

The time consumed for bile duct reconstruction using the microscopic technique was 35 minutes. There were 8 grafts with a single bile duct orifice and seven with two orifices. The average duct size was 3 mm in patients with two orifices and 5 mm in those with a single orifice. There was no bile leak or biliary stricture associated with the biliary reconstruction over a median 5-month follow-up. There were two cases of bile leakage from the cut hepatic surface.

Conclusion

The microscopic technique reduced early biliary complications. However, further technical advances are needed to decrease the time consumptions for the procedure.     

先天性胆总管囊肿胰胆合流共同管开口位置及其相关因素的分析研究

目的 探讨胰胆合流共同管开口异位及其相关因素在胆总管囊肿发病机制中的作用。方法 对116例显影清晰的先天性胆总管囊肿患者的ERCP或术中胆道造影的正位X线片进行有关数据的测量分析，并以6例遗传性球形红细胞增多症及7例新生儿肝炎综合征患儿胆道造影的X线片作为对照组，对测量数据进行统计学处理并加以比较。结果 对照组Vater壶腹均开口于十二指肠降段，而实验组开口于十二指肠降段者占31．1％，开口于降段以远者占68．9％，且共同管开口位置越远，共同管、胆总管越长，胰管直径及胰胆汇合角度越大。囊肿型囊肿的胆总管直径与长度及胰胆汇合角度与梭型比较，差异有非常显著性意义，且前者合并胰腺分离及其它肝内外胆管畸形的发生率明显增高。结论 影像学测量下，Vater壶腹开口异位的存在有可能是先天性胆总管囊肿的发病原因，而胰胆合流异常、胆总管远端狭窄及肝内胆管的畸形则是本病通常并发的病理改变，但也可能互为因果，有待进一步研究。     

Laparoscopic liver resection for localized primary intrahepatic bile duct dilatation

Background

Primary intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (IHBD) may present as a localized form in which resection of the affected liver can prevent immediate and late complications. Laparoscopy has gained large interest in liver surgery. It also allows a safe and efficient exploration of the common bile duct.

Methods

We performed 10 laparoscopic liver resections for localized IHBD, on 7 women and 3 men (mean age 47 years). Resections were 2 right hepatectomies, 4 left hepatectomies, and 4 left lateral sectionectomies. Three patients had associated common bile duct stones that were treated through intraoperative cholangioscopy.

Results

The mean operative time was 303.9 minutes. The mean blood loss was 217 mL. None of these patients required hand assistance or conversion to open surgery. One patient suffered a residual collection that was drained percutaneously. The postoperative course was uneventful in the other patients. The mean hospital stay was 5.3 days. No recurrence of cholangitis was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The laparoscopic treatment of IHBD is safe and should be performed by teams with expertise in both hepatobiliary surgery and laparoscopy.     

Postnatal management for prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate postnatal management plan for prenatally diagnosed congenital biliary dilatation (CBD).

Methods

Between 1962 and 2002, 5 (5.9 %) of 85 patients had CBD diagnosed prenatally and were examined clinically. Of these 5 patients, 2 (group A) underwent delayed primary definitive surgery after percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD), 1 (group B) underwent early definitive surgery in the neonatal period, and 2 (group C) underwent delayed primary definitive surgery without PTCD in early infancy (within 6 months after birth). The clinical data, operative findings, intra- and postoperative complications, and follow-up were evaluated in these 3 groups.

Results

There were no postoperative complications, such as catheter-related complications, in group A. However, there was adhesion around the choledochal cyst, and the operation was therefore difficult in group A. The diameter of the anastomosis in the hepaticojejunostomy was small, and the cyst wall was thin in group B. Consequently, anastomotic leakage of the hepaticojejunostomy occurred in group B. Neither operative nor postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis occurred in group C. Slight fibrosis of Glisson’s sheath was seen in 2 patients of groups A and C. No liver cirrhosis was seen in any group.

Conclusions

The authors propose that asymptomatic patients should undergo elective definitive surgery by 6 months of age. For symptomatic patients, especially when a differential diagnosis of type I cystic biliary atresia is doubtful, early definitive surgery is needed before 2 months of age. PTCD appears to be indicated only under certain circumstances, and delayed primary definitive surgery should be performed as early as possible thereafter.     

Intraoperative endoscopy during choledochal cyst excision: extended long-term follow-up compared with recent cases

Introduction

We routinely perform intraoperative endoscopy (IOE) of the intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) and intrapancreatic bile duct (IPBD) with a pediatric cystoscope during excision of choledochal cyst (CC). Here we compare extended long-term follow-up patients with a series of recent cases.

Methods

We compared 25 CC patients treated over the past 5 years (group 1) with 69 CC patients treated between 1986 and 1998 and followed up for more than 10 years (group 2), focusing on stone formation.

Results

In group 1 (mean follow-up, 2.6 years) IOE identified IHBD debris in 7 (28%) of 25 and IPBD protein plugs in 9 (36%) of 25. In group 2 (mean follow-up, 14.6 years) IOE identified IHBD debris in 11 (16%) of 69 and IPBD protein plugs in 17 (25%) of 69. There was no relation between type of CC and incidence of IHBD debris or IPBD protein plugs. The incidence of postoperative stones to date is 0% in group 1 and 2.9% in group 2, rates far lower than those reported in the literature.

Conclusions

We attribute our lower incidence of stones directly to IOE and recommend that it be performed routinely during cyst excision. It is simple, is effective, and improves outcome.     

Traumatic pediatric bile duct injury: nonoperative intervention as an alternative to surgical intervention

Background

Nonoperative management of blunt pediatric liver injuries has become the standard of care in the absence of hemodynamic instability. However, associated bile duct injuries remain as difficult challenges. Few case reports have demonstrated the benefits of conservative approaches, but others have found better outcomes with surgical intervention. In this study, we report on our experience with interventional endoscopic and radiologic management of 5 pediatric patients with bile duct injuries who underwent unsuccessful surgical interventions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of all pediatric patients who were admitted with major blunt liver trauma and bile duct injuries over a period of 5 years.

Results

There were 5 patients (4 boys and 1 girl) whose ages range from 3 to 11 years in this study. All patients had major liver laceration and bilomas. Two had intrahepatic and 3 had extra hepatic bile duct injuries (2 right hepatic ducts and 1 junction of cystic duct with common bile duct). All of them underwent previous laparotomies, once in 2 patients, twice in 2 patients, and thrice in 1 patient. All 5 patients were eventually treated successfully with interventional endoscopic and radiologic techniques. Three underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography stenting with percutaneous drainage. Two patients were managed with percutaneous drainage alone. The follow-up is up to 2.5 years with normal liver function test and bile duct ultrasound.

Conclusion

With the current advancement in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and intervention radiology techniques, we believe that interventional endoscopic and radiologic management of bile duct injuries caused by blunt trauma in children is successful and efficacious even after multiple laparotomies.     

Solitary liver cysts in children: not always so simple

Aim

Liver cysts in children are uncommon. Many are simple and solitary and do not require intervention. However, this series demonstrates a broad range of potential pathologies, some of which are life-threatening.

Methods

All children referred to our unit during an 8-year period (1998-2005) and found to have a solitary liver cyst were prospectively recorded. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features were analyzed. Children with an isolated extrahepatic choledochal cyst and polycystic disease were excluded.

Results

Twenty-one children with a liver cyst were identified. Two had undergone unsuccessful surgical intervention before referral. There were 11 prenatally detected cysts. Median gestational age at detection was 22 weeks (19-35 weeks); only 1 was specifically characterized as a liver cyst prenatally. Six of these required surgery: 2 large simple cysts, 2 intrahepatic choledochal cysts, 1 giant complex biliary cyst causing respiratory distress, and 1 ciliated hepatic foregut cyst. Of the 5 cysts remaining under ultrasound surveillance, 4 decreased in size or resolved. In 10 children presenting between birth and 15.8 years, a liver cyst was diagnosed postnatally: 3 huge cystic mesenchymal hamartomas, 1 type V choledochal cyst, 1 hydatid cyst, and 5 simple cysts. Four of these required surgical resection. Simple cysts tended to be small and could be distinguished from other pathologies using a combination of imaging techniques (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography [MRCP], radionuclide scan). Only 2 of 12 children with “simple” cysts required surgery for symptoms. However, a wide range of other cyst pathologies were found in 9 children, and although none was malignant, some were life-threatening and 7 required resection.

Conclusions

Simple solitary nonparasitic liver cysts rarely cause symptoms or require surgery, but the pediatric surgeon should be aware of the wide range of other types of liver cyst in children to ensure appropriate treatment.     

Pancreaticobiliary common channel associated with common duct stricture

The etiology of diffuse or cystic dilatation of the common bile duct is still uncertain. Several authors have reported a long common pancreaticobiliary channel in association with a choledochal cyst. We report a similar case of a two-year-old female in which ERCP identified a common duct stricture. The common channel anomaly was seen by intraoperative cholangiography.     

Laparoscopic repair for choledochal cyst: lessons learned from 190 cases

Objective

The aim of this study is to report the technical details, early outcomes, and lessons learned from laparoscopic repair of 190 cases of choledochal cyst.

Method

The operation was performed using 4 ports. The cystic duct was identified and divided. The liver was elevated by 2 stay-sutures: one on the round ligament and the other on the distal cystic duct. The choledochal cyst was isolated and removed completely, and then biliary-digestive continuity was reestablished.

Results

From January 2007 to April 2009, 190 patients were operated on. There were 144 girls and 46 boys. Ages ranged from 2 months to 16 years (mean, 46.9 ± 29.3 months). Cyst diameter ranged from 10 to 184 mm. A total of 106 patients were classified as Todani type I cysts, and 84 were type IV. Cystic excision and hepaticoduodenostomy were performed in 133 patients and hepaticojejunostomy in 57 patients. The operating time varied from 70 to 505 minutes (mean, 186 minutes). Conversion to open surgery was required in 2 patients. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 4 patients. There were no perioperative deaths. Postoperative anastomotic leakage occurred in 7 patients, resolving spontaneously in 6 and requiring a second operation in 1. Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 5 to 27 days (mean, 7.2 ± 3.3 days). Follow-up occurred between 1 and 24 months postdischarge (mean, 9 ± 2.2 months) and was obtained in 161 patients (84.7%). Of these patients, cholangitis occurred in 4 patients (2.4%).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic repair is a safe and effective procedure for choledochal cyst.     

Congenital stenosis of the hepatic duct at the porta hepatis in children with choledochal cyst

Background

The intrahepatic gallstone is known as one of the complications of choledochal cyst. Stenosis of the hepatic duct may contribute to the formation of the stone. This report describes concurrent congenital stenosis of the hepatic duct identified during the primary operation of choledochal cyst.

Methods

Fourteen children were operated on for choledochal cyst. To identify the concurrent stenosis, cholangiography and inspection of the hepatic duct were performed during the operation. In those patients with identified membranous stenosis, the membrane was resected. In those with nonmembranous stenosis, the wide hilar hepaticojejunostomy was performed after hepatic duct plasty.

Results

Eleven sites of hepatic duct stenosis were identified, 8 membranous stenoses and 3 relative stenoses without membrane. The membranous stenoses were classified into 4 subtypes as follows: a small central opening, a marginal opening, 2 openings, and a bridgelike structure. At the primary surgery on choledochal cyst, those stenoses were released, and the formation of the gallstone has not been observed in 4 to 11 years in all cases.