Complicated choledochal cysts

Choledochal cysts have a potential for causing a variety of complications. This article presents the incidence, types, and presentation of complications in patients with choledochal cysts and the results of surgery in these patients. Prospectively collected data of 81 patients with choledochal cysts treated at a tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. Sixteen (20% of surgical patients; 100% of study group) patients were found to have a complicated choledochal cyst that either manifested as an atypical presentation or necessitated a change in the treatment planning. Eight (50%) of these patients had complications of infective nature, and another 8 (50%) had noninfective complications. Fifteen (94%) patients with complications were adults and 11 (63%) patients had Todani type-IVa cysts; a cystic type of intrahepatic component in 10 patients. Five (31%) patients had undergone prior cystenteric drainage operations. Excision of the choledochal cyst was possible in 14 (88%) patients under both emergency and elective situations; cyst excision was performed in the second stage after an initial external drainage procedure in two of these patients. There was no mortality and no major postoperative complications. Complications of choledochal cysts are more likely in adult patients and in those with both intra- and extrahepatic cysts (Todani type-IVa). Despite the presence of complications, the choledochal cyst can be safely excised in a majority of patients.