Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Application of Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in Primary Choledochal Suture during Combined Two-lens Surgery
Published on: March 28, 2025
Laparoscopic resection of type 1 choledochal cysts in pediatric patients
1Department of General Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Insights
Laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts is safe and effective in pediatric patients. This minimally invasive approach offers good long-term outcomes with reduced morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Choledochal cyst resection and hepaticojejunostomy traditionally used open techniques.
- Laparoscopic approaches are emerging for complex pediatric gastrointestinal procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic choledochal cyst resection in pediatric patients.
- To report the largest single institutional experience with this laparoscopic technique.
Main Methods:
- Eight pediatric patients (3 months to 13 years) with type I choledochal cysts underwent laparoscopic resection.
- A five-port technique was employed, including umbilical, paraumbilical, left subcostal, and left lower quadrant ports.
Main Results:
- Median operative time was 155 minutes, with one conversion to open surgery.
- Mean hospital stay was 3 days.
- At a mean follow-up of 18.8 months, all patients were anicteric and asymptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts is a safe and feasible option for pediatric patients.
- The procedure is associated with minimal morbidity and favorable long-term results.
Background:
Choledochal cyst resection and hepaticojejunostomy have historically been performed using an open technique. We describe here the largest single experience with this procedure using laparoscopic techniques in eight consecutive pediatric patients.
Methods:
There were six girls and two boys, of ages ranging from 3 months to 13 years. All had type I choledochal cysts. Three were asymptomatic, having been noted on prenatal ultrasonography. Five ports were utilized: one 5-mm telescope port at the umbilicus, two 3-mm operating ports on both sides of the umbilicus, one 5-mm left subcostal port for liver retraction, and one LLQ 5-mm assistant port.
Results:
The median operating time was 155 min (range 110-250 min), with one conversion to an open procedure due to a high transection of the cyst leading to partial retraction of the left hepatic duct into the liver substance. Mean hospital stay was 3 days. At a mean follow-up of 18.8 months, all patients were anicteric and asymptomatic.
Conclusions:
Laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts can be performed safely in pediatric patients with minimal morbidity and good long-term results.
