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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Postnatal rupture of an antenatally diagnosed choledochal cyst: first case report
Mohammad M F Siddiqui1, David Grier, Eleri Cusick
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Insights
Prompt pediatric surgical referral is crucial for antenatal diagnosed choledochal cysts. Even asymptomatic cysts can rupture if surgical intervention is delayed, necessitating emergency surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Choledochal cysts are rare congenital dilations of the bile ducts.
- Antenatal diagnosis allows for early management planning.
- Management typically involves surgical excision.
Observation:
- A 7-month-old infant with an asymptomatic antenatally diagnosed choledochal cyst presented for elective surgery.
- The cyst ruptured prior to the scheduled surgery, requiring emergency laparotomy.
- The patient recovered uneventfully after the urgent surgical intervention.
Findings:
- Delayed surgical intervention for choledochal cysts, even when asymptomatic, carries a risk of rupture.
- Rupture can occur unexpectedly after initial diagnosis and planning for elective surgery.
- Prompt surgical referral is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Implications:
- Antenatal diagnosis of choledochal cysts necessitates timely surgical consultation and intervention.
- Proactive surgical management can prevent complications such as cyst rupture.
- This case highlights the importance of avoiding delays in pediatric surgical referrals for congenital anomalies.
Unlabelled:
A 7-mo-old girl with an asymptomatic antenatally diagnosed choledochal cyst was referred to the regional paediatric surgical centre for advice on management. Following further radiological investigation and discussion with the supra-regional centre, a date for elective surgery was arranged. However, in the interim, she was admitted as an emergency following rupture of the cyst. She made an uneventful recovery following urgent laparotomy.
Conclusion:
We recommend prompt paediatric surgical referral following antenatal diagnosis of a presumed choledochal cyst. Delay in surgery may permit expansion and rupture of the cyst, even after a period of asymptomatic stability.
