Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Ectopic pancreas associated with choledochal cyst and multiseptate gallbladder
Burak Bahadir1, Sukru O Ozdamar, Banu D Gun
1Department of Pathology, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Kozlu, Zonguldak, Turkey. burakbahadir@yahoo.com
Insights
This study details a rare congenital choledochal cyst case in an infant, uniquely featuring a multiseptate gallbladder and ectopic pancreas. Surgical removal was successful, highlighting the complexity of this rare pediatric condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Congenital choledochal cysts are rare pediatric biliary malformations.
- Associations with multiseptate gallbladder and ectopic pancreas are exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 15-day-old infant presented with jaundice and a suspected common bile duct cystic lesion.
- Imaging revealed a cystic lesion, prompting surgical intervention.
- The patient underwent excision of a Type I choledochal cyst and gallbladder, with liver biopsy.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a Type I choledochal cyst with a multiseptate gallbladder.
- Ectopic pancreatic tissue was incidentally discovered within the choledochal cyst wall.
- The gallbladder showed papillary hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia; liver biopsy confirmed intrahepatic bile ducts.
Implications:
- This case is the first documented instance of a choledochal cyst associated with both multiseptate gallbladder and ectopic pancreas.
- It underscores the importance of thorough histopathological examination for rare congenital anomalies.
- Understanding these complex associations aids in surgical planning and patient management.
Abstract:
Congenital choledochal cyst is a rarely seen malformation of childhood, particularly when associated with multiseptate gallbladder or ectopic pancreas. The current case represents a 15-day-old boy with jaundice. Ultrasonography suggested a cystic lesion, probably of the common bile duct. The patient underwent a total excision of type I choledochal cyst and gallbladder with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and a wedge biopsy from the liver. Gross examination revealed multiple septa dividing the gallbladder into multiple compartments. The outer and inner surfaces of the choledochal cyst were unremarkable. Microscopically, the cyst wall was composed of dense fibrous tissue with a single layer of cubic to columnar cells constituting the overlying epithelium. Serial sections incidentally revealed ectopic pancreatic tissue lying along the cyst wall characterized by acini, islets, and ductal structures with endocrine cells reactive for chromogranin A. Septa dividing the gallbladder were composed of fibrotic stalks containing smooth muscle fibers. Areas of papillary hyperplasia and intestinal metaplasia of gallbladder epithelium were also noted. The liver biopsy specimen demonstrated the presence of intrahepatic bile ducts, subsequently confirmed by cytokeratin 7. To our knowledge, this case represents the 1st one associated with these 3 entities and only the 2nd choledochal cyst with ectopic pancreatic tissue in its wall.
Related Concept Videos
Cholecystitis
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Gallbladder
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment: