Choledochal Cysts | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of a choledochal cyst?
Although children are born with choledochal cysts, symptoms may appear in infancy or not for several years. The following symptoms may occur in infants or older children:
What causes choledochal cysts?
The bile duct transports bile from the liver, through the pancreas, to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Researchers believe that choledochal cysts form when there is an abnormality at the intersection between the bile duct and pancreatic duct. This abnormal connection forces pancreatic juice to flow backward into the bile duct and may cause cysts to form.
Choledochal Cysts | Diagnosis & Treatments
How are choledochal cysts diagnosed?
Some choledochal cysts are detected on an ultrasound before a child is born.
Sometimes after a baby is born, the child's parent or doctor may notice a mass in the upper right abdomen.
A combination of tests help doctors verify that a child has choledochal cysts:
- Computerized tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) — A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the biliary system.
- Cholangiography — a radiographic visualization of a child’s bile duct
How are choledochal cysts treated?
Children with choledochal cysts need surgery to remove them. This involves removing a lobe of the liver if the cysts are intrahepatic, or part of the duct outside of the liver if the cysts are located there. This surgery also includes biliary reconstruction using a piece of intestine.
Minimally invasive surgery
Surgeon are often able to remove choledochal cysts with a minimally invasive surgery called a laparoscopy. With this technique, small instruments guided by a small telescope are passed through the body.
In many cases children, can go home in one to two days and return to their normal activities more quickly than children who have open surgery.
Other benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- very small scars, which are difficult to see after several months
- less pain after surgery
- usually a shorter hospital stay
Without surgery, children with choledochal cysts have an ongoing risk of other problems:
- biliary obstruction
- infection of the ducts
- jaundice
- cirrhosis
In adulthood, choledochal cysts can become cancerous if left untreated.
Our areas of innovation for choledochal cysts
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is done through small incisions using miniaturized surgical tools and cameras or telescopes. MIS usually results in less pain, less scarring, and a quicker recovery time.
One form of MIS used to remove choledochal cysts is called laparoscopic surgery, during which surgeons use small instruments guided by a small telescope. The instruments are manipulated by the surgeon who controls their movements, while watching them on a video screen.
