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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
[Congenital choledochal cyst and laparoscopic techniques]
J J Vila-Carbó1, J Lluna González, E Hernández Anselmi
1Sección de Cirugía Pediátrica Laparoscópica, Hospital Universitary Infantil La Fe, Valencia. vila_jjo@gva.es
Insights
Laparoscopic surgery effectively resects congenital choledochal cysts in children. This minimally invasive approach offers a safe and cosmetically superior alternative for treating this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Congenital choledochal cysts are rare biliary tract malformations requiring surgical intervention.
- Recurrent cholangitis is a common complication associated with choledochal cysts.
- Traditional open surgery for choledochal cyst excision and reconstruction can be associated with significant morbidity.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl with a Type I choledochal cyst (Todani classification) presented with recurrent cholangitis.
- Laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were performed successfully.
- The procedure involved cyst resection, Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy.
Findings:
- The laparoscopic approach resulted in no intraoperative or postoperative complications.
- The patient tolerated oral feeding by 72 hours post-surgery.
- Discharge occurred on postoperative day 5 with excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Implications:
- Laparoscopic resection of congenital choledochal cysts is a safe and feasible option in pediatric patients.
- Minimally invasive techniques offer potential benefits including reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmesis.
- This approach may become the preferred surgical strategy for choledochal cyst management in children.
Abstract:
The authors present a 5-year-old girl with a congenital choledochal cyst and repeated cholangitis. On laparoscopy, a type I choledochal cyst of Todani classification was confirmed. The cyst was excised laparoscopically. After exteriorization of the small bowel through the umbilical incision, a Roux-en Y anastomosis was performed. Then the bowel was reintroduced into the abdominal cavity and a laparoscopic end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was carried out. There were not intra or post operative problems. Oral food intake started at 72 hours and the patient was discharged on day 5 without complications and with excellent cosmetic results. We conclude that laparoscopic techniques are an excellent option for the resection of congenital choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy in children.
