Choledochal cyst: a review of 19 cases

Postoperative anastomotic stricture following excision of choledochal cyst: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Postoperative anastomotic stricture (PAS) is a well-known complication after correcting choledochal cyst (CC). Although the exact cause of PAS is unknown, various risk factors, such as Todani classification type IV-A, hepaticoduodenostomy, and narrow anastomosis have been reported to be associated with PAS. As far as we know, there is no report with a cumulative analysis of such risk factors of PAS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the risk factors of PAS following surgical correction of CC in children.

METHODS

A systematic literature search for relevant articles was performed in four databases using the combinations of the following terms "Congenital biliary dilatation", "Congenital choledochal cyst", "Choledochal cyst", "Stenosis", "Stricture", and "Complication" for studies published between 1973 and 2022. The relevant cohorts of PAS were systematically searched for clinical presentation and outcomes.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 795 reports. Seventy studies met the defined inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 206 patients with PAS. There is no prospective study in this search. The incidence of PAS was 2.1%. The proportion of Todani classification of the patient with PAS was higher in type IV-A with significant difference (2.0% in type I and 10.1% in type IV-A (p = 0.001)). Fourteen studies reported a comparison between hepaticojejunostomy and hepaticoduodenostomy. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.36). Four studies reported the diameter of the anastomosis at the primary surgery. The mean diameter was 12.5 mm. Nine studies reported a comparison between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery. Pooled odds ratio of PAS did not show a statistical difference (p = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that close careful follow-up is important in the patients with type IV-A of CC who underwent excision surgery, considering the possibility of PAS.

Heterotopic pancreatic tissue associated with type 1 choledochal cyst, cystolithiasis and gall bladder stones: a rare entity with review of literature

Choledochal cyst is a rare congenital malformation, particularly when associated with stones in cyst (cystolithiasis), gallstones and heterotopic pancreatic tissue within the cyst wall. The current case represents a 5-year-old boy with abdominal pain, pale colored stools, and jaundice. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a cystic lesion, arising from common bile duct with cystolithiasis and cholelithiasis. He underwent excision of choledochal cyst and gallbladder with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Microscopic examination showed a cyst wall composed of fibrocollagenous tissue lined by cuboidal to low columnar epithelium. The subserosal layer of cyst wall showed presence of heterotopic exocrine pancreatic tissue comprising of pancreatic acinar cells and ducts. We report the first case of heterotopic pancreatic tissue associated with choledochal cyst and cystolithiasis and cholelithiasis occurring at the same time.

Fibropolycystic liver disease in children

Fibropolycystic liver diseases are a group of associated congenital disorders that present most often in childhood. These disorders include congenital hepatic fibrosis, biliary hamartomas, autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease, choledochal cysts and Caroli disease. We present a discussion and illustrations of the embryology, genetics, anatomy, pathology, imaging approach and key imaging features that distinguish fibropolycystic liver disease in children. The pathogenesis of these disorders is believed to be abnormal development of the embryonic ductal plates, which ultimately form the liver and biliary systems. An understanding of the abnormal embryogenesis helps to explain the characteristic imaging features of these disorders.

Single-Stage Reconstruction of Perforated Choledochal Cyst: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Choledochal cysts represent a rare disease in the Western world. We reviewed our recent experience with a case of perforated choledochal cyst, define the currently accepted treatment options, and review the literature of this unusual disease. An 11-month-old girl presented with abdominal pain and distention as well as non-bilious vomiting. Subsequent workup included endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealing a perforated type I choledochal cyst. She underwent single-stage excision and reconstruction with a Roux- en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Perforated choledochal cyst is a rare event, and prompt surgical intervention is warranted. Single-stage cystectomy and Roux- en-Y reconstruction is possible in select patients. A thorough understanding of the pathophysiology, management, and follow-up is required.

Bile Decompression in Children with Histopathological Evidence of Pre-Existing Liver Cirrhosis

Although it is agreed upon by most that adequate and timely bile decompression can preserve or even improve existing liver function much debate centers on whether pre-existing liver cirrhosis can also be reversed. To help answer this question we analyzed data on 47 children with choledochal cyst disease (CD) who underwent simultaneous liver biopsy during bile decompression surgery. We collected data on two groups of children with CD spanning two different time periods: January 1985 through November 1994 (Group A) and June 1995 through November 1999 (Group B). In Group A 37 children (16 boys and 21 girls ages 5 days to 10 years) underwent simultaneous liver biopsy during elective definitive surgery for CD. In Group B ten children (five boys and five girls age one month to 7 years) underwent liver biopsy twice: first during initial cyst decompression for acute obstruction and second during elective definitive surgery after resolution of acute disease. Degree of liver cirrhosis was based on a modified World Health Organization classification system (0–IV). In Group A 15/37 (40.5%) had significant liver cirrhosis at time of biopsy (III or IV) with altered liver function in all cases; eight of nine had normal liver function on follow-up, six were lost to follow-up. In Group B seven often (70%) had less liver cirrhosis on pathology at second operation with three unchanged; nine of ten (90%) regained normal liver function. We conclude that bile duct obstruction is the main cause of liver cirrhosis in children with CD. Adequate and timely bile decompression can restore normal liver function and even reverse severe cirrhosis.

Choledochal cyst associated with acute acalculous cholecystitis

A 7-year-old girl underwent laparotomy for suspected acute appendicitis. Instead, bile peritonitis with hydrops of gallbladder and normal appendix were noted. Dilatation of the CBD was observed, and choledochal cyst was documented by intraoperative cholangiography. Cholecystectomy and T-tube placement were performed. Postoperative follow-up by ultrasound lasted for 9 months. The CBD remained the same size without clinical manifestation.

Spontaneous rupture of choledochal cyst

Choledochal cyst in an uncommon congenital anomaly with classic presentation triad of abdominal pain, jaundice and right upper abdominal mass. Presentation due to biliary peritonitis following cyst rupture is extremely rare. One such case which was successfully treated is being reported.

Choledochal cyst associated with rare hand malformation

We report on an 8-year-old boy with choledochal cyst associated with most unusual hand malformation. Review of the literature and possible etiopathogenesis are discussed.

Endoscopic biliary manometry in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and in patients with cystic dilatation of the bile ducts

We studied the motility of the sphincter of Oddi in 12 patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, in four patients with cystic dilatation of the bile ducts (two Caroli's cases and two fusiform choledochal cyst cases), and in 33 patients with retained common duct stones. In these last 33 patients, the motor activity of the sphincter of Oddi was similar to that recorded in nine control subjects without pancreatic or biliary diseases. In the suspected Oddi dysfunction cases, both the basal sphincteric pressure and the frequency of the phasic contractions were significantly elevated (P less than 0.001). Patients with biliary cystic dilatation showed an increased basal pressure, but the frequency of the contractions was elevated in only those with choledochal cysts and the amplitude in only one of the two patients with Caroli's disease. Motor disorders of the sphincter of Oddi provide a basis for an alternative etiopathogenesis of cystic disease of the biliary system and a possible explanation for pain and dilatation of the bile duct in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

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.

Relation of patient age to premalignant alterations in choledochal cyst epithelium: histochemical and immunohistochemical studies

Forty patients with choledochal cysts, 17 children and 23 adults, were treated by cyst excision in this institution (1972 to 1982). Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were performed on tissue from the walls of these 40 cysts. The type and degree of histologic changes observed were found to correlate with patient age at time of cyst excision. Specimens from four patients less than two years of age at time of excision revealed epithelial desquamation, fibrosis, and minimal evidence of inflammation. Among specimens from 13 patients, 4 to 15 years of age, only two had an intact epithelial lining. Marked inflammation and intramural glandular structures were observed. Specimens from 23 patients, more than 15 years of age at the time of cyst excision, showed marked acute or chronic inflammation and destruction of the epithelial lining. In this age group, intramural glandular structures with goblet and argyrophil cells were regularly observed within the cyst walls, and gastrin and somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was detected in cells of these metaplastic glands. In association with these changes, in five of the 23 patients in the oldest age group, adenocarcinomas were observed in the cyst walls. These studies establish the increasing rate of epithelial metaplasia in the walls of choledochal cysts with advancing age, and suggest that these changes are a continuing process with malignancy one of the end results.

Choledochal cyst presenting as acute pancreatitis

A case of a 2 year old boy who presented with pancreatitis in association with choledochal cyst is reported. The pathogenesis, clinical presentation and surgical management are discussed.

Choledochal cyst--a review of 25 cases

Twenty-five cases of choledochal cysts operated at the University Hospital between 1969 and 1981 were reviewed. Nineteen of the patients were females. An accurate pre-operative diagnosis of choledochal cyst was made in 10 patients (40%). We have found the 99Tcm-diethyl-IDA (EHIDA) scan to be the safest and most sensitive diagnostic tool. In recent years excision has been performed whenever possible in view of reports of malignancy developing in the cyst wall. It has a lower morbidity and re-operation rate compared to internal drainage. In excision we advise the use of a cuff of the cyst wall for a wider anastomosis. As the biliary tract shrinks and retracts into the porta following excision of the cyst, stricture formation may still occur despite a wide anastomosis.

Cholestasis in infancy and childhood

Many disorders are capable of producing cholestasis in infancy. Primary hepatobiliary diseases and systemic infectious, toxic, and metabolic insults may present clinically as conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. A careful, organized diagnostic evaluation allows early identification of potentially treatable lesions. Recent success in the surgical management of biliary atresia, previously a uniformly fatal disorder, has emphasized the need for early diagnosis. Medical management of the complications of chronic cholestasis remains a major challenge. Liver transplantation currently offers the only chance for long-term survival for infants with progressive cirrhosis.

Bile duct cysts. Experience with 15 patients

Fifteen patients, all of whom underwent surgery at this institution from 1955 to 1981, were included in this study. Bile duct cysts were classified into Types I to V to include cysts of the intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. The association of this entity with other congenital abnormalities is discussed. Carcinoma of the biliary tree occurred in two cases. The treatment of this condition is surgical. Excision is preferred whenever technically possible; otherwise a bypass procedure is performed. The technique of excision described by Lilly [32,34] is preferred because it is safer, decreasing the risk of injury to the hepatic artery and portal vein. Controversy continues regarding the procedure of choice.

Acute pancreatitis: the difficulties of diagnosis and therapy

Acute pancreatitis in children is uncommon but is being recognized frequently. Twenty-four children provided clinical data to review the various manifestations and therapy of acute pancreatitis, all of these patients having survived a clinical episode. Recognition of acute pancreatitis has been improved by the advent of new diagnostic procedures such as serum amylase isoenzymes, amylase/creatinine ratio, ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, and peritoneal lavage. The causative factors in our series were: trauma, biliary disease,, viral (mumps), and steroid therapy. Treatment of acute pancreatitis was nonsurgical unless a specific surgical lesion was present.

Congenital choledochal cyst. Analysis of 1,433 patients in the Japanese literature

Five of the author's cases and 1,428 cases from Japan's literature are discussed. Half of the patients were infants. The ratio of men to women was 1 to 3. One hundred fifty-one patients had malformation of the pancreaticobiliary system, which is said to be a cause of congenital choledochal cyst. All of the patients have been followed up. Excision of the cyst is the best procedure for preventing ascending cholangitis and cystic cancer. Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy is also effective for reconstruction of the bile duct because it rarely causes ascending cholangitis.

Observation of cystic dilatation of the common bile duct by ultrasonography

We have studied a patient with congenital cystic dilatation of the common bile duct who had undergone ultrasonography five times in 6 mo before operation. Ultrasonography revealed that the duct was distended with inflammation, and was deflated when inflammation was not present.

Anatomic observations and etiologic and surgical considerations in choledochal cyst

Twenty-five operative and postoperative cholangiograms in children with choledochal cysts indicated an intimate relationship between these cysts and anomalous pancreatico-biliary ductal junction. In all of these patients the distal main pancreatic duct (MPD) is excluded from the sphinctor of Oddi mechanism and free reflux of pancreatic juice up the biliary tree occurs. This leads to chronic cholangitis, which is presumed to be responsible for the formation of the choledochal cysts. Abrupt and intense exposure of the common bile duct (CBD) to pancreatic reflux may cause perforation and bile peritonitis. Long-standing exposure may induce malignant transformation in the choledochal cyst. Total cyst excision and separation of the biliary system from exposure to pancreatic reflux is suggested as the procedure of choice. Long-term results and metabolic and digestive consequences of this operation are yet to be determined.

Choledochal cyst with cholelithiasis: 15-yr follow-up

A 15-yr-old boy, who had had surgery for a choledochal cyst in infancy, was worked up for recurrent right upper quandrant pair. Intravenous cholangiogram and ultrasound demonstrated a choledochal cyst with stones. Angiogram showed only a distorted branch of the gastro-duodenal artery. These findings were confirmed at surgery.

Choledochal cyst: a review of seven cases from Auckland

This is a short review of the operative experience during the last decade with seven patients who presented with a choledochal cyst. A choledochal cyst is reported for the first time in a Polynesian. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed, with particular attention to operative management, which was found to carry a 10% mortality.