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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia in the child
Adam J Kaye1, Muralidhar Jatla, Peter Mattei
1Department of General Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Insights
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy effectively treated most pediatric patients with biliary dyskinesia (BD). However, the diagnostic accuracy of cholecystokinin-diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (CCK-DISIDA) scans did not correlate with patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a potential cause of chronic abdominal pain in children.
- Diagnosis of BD typically relies on cholecystokinin-diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (CCK-DISIDA) scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate CCK-DISIDA scan results with outcomes following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for BD in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 430 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (2000-2007).
- Diagnosis of BD based on CCK-DISIDA scan showing gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) < 35% and/or pain reproduction.
- Statistical analysis using chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests.
Main Results:
- 75 pediatric patients diagnosed with BD underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Mean GBEF was 17.4%; 61% experienced pain on CCK administration.
- 77.33% of patients reported symptom resolution post-surgery; no complications reported.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective treatment for most children with BD.
- CCK-DISIDA scan results did not correlate with the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in this cohort.
Background:
Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a consideration as a cause of chronic abdominal pain in the pediatric population. We sought to correlate the results of cholecystokinin-diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (CCK-DISIDA) scanning, the basis for diagnosis of BD, with outcome after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy from May 2000 through March 2007. The diagnosis of BD was based on CCK-DISIDA scan demonstrating a gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) of less than 35% and/or reproduction of pain on CCK administration or no filling of the gall bladder with a normal ultrasound examination. Hospital, General Surgery office, and Gastroenterology Office charts were reviewed for demographic and management data points. We used chi(2) and Mann-Whitney tests for statistical analysis.
Results:
For the period of review, 430 patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy including 75 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of BD. The mean age of the BD population was 14 (range, 9-19) years. Female to male ratio was 2.4:1. The mean body mass index was 24.4 kg/m(2). On average, patients had abdominal symptoms for 15.5 (range, 0.25-72) months. Each patient underwent nearly 2.5 studies (computed tomography, ultrasound, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or upper gastrointestinal series) before diagnosis by CCK-DISIDA. The mean GBEF was 17.4%. When commented on (n = 41), pain on CCK administration was noted in 25 (61%) patients. Pathology revealed chronic cholecystitis in 44%. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 58 (77.33%) patients reported resolution of their abdominal pain (mean follow-up 4 months). Of the 17 patients without improvement, 7 were later diagnosed with other underlying pathology (Crohn's, hiatal hernia, cyclic vomiting). There was no difference in GBEF, age, histopathology, or sex between the two groups. There were no complications.
Conclusion:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective treatment for the majority of children diagnosed with BD. Although CCK-DISIDA was used to identify biliary dysfunction, it did not correlate with outcome.
