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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

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Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
A case of peribiliary cyst presenting with obstructive jaundice
Naoki Ikenaga1, Kazuo Chijiiwa, Kazuhiro Otani
1Department of Surgical Oncology and Regulation of Organ Function, Miyazaki University School of Medicine, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan.
Summary
A solitary peribiliary cyst caused obstructive jaundice in a woman with healthy liver. Surgical removal (cystectomy) resolved the jaundice, suggesting this as a treatment option for symptomatic peribiliary cysts.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Peribiliary cysts are typically asymptomatic, multiple, and associated with underlying liver disease, often presenting a poor prognosis.
- Obstructive jaundice is a rare complication of peribiliary cysts.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old woman presented with itching and elevated serum bilirubin, indicating jaundice.
- Imaging revealed a 17-mm cystic lesion obstructing the hepatic duct at the hilum, which did not communicate with the biliary tree.
Findings:
- The lesion was diagnosed as a solitary peribiliary cyst.
- Surgical excision (cystectomy) was performed.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that peribiliary cysts can occur in healthy liver and lead to symptomatic obstructive jaundice.
- Solitary symptomatic peribiliary cysts warrant consideration for cystectomy as an effective treatment.
- The findings challenge the traditional view of peribiliary cysts being solely associated with poor prognosis liver disease.
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