The changing presentation of choledochal cyst disease: an incidental diagnosis

Choledochal cysts are uncommon biliary lesions. Due to the evolution of imaging and laparoscopic surgery, we sought to describe our last 3 years experience with the presentation and management of choledochal cysts in adults.

A retrospective review of a prospectively established database of adults who were managed for primary choledochal cyst disease between 2005 and 2008 was performed.

Between 8/2005 and 8/2008, 14 adults were managed for primary choledochal cyst disease. The average age was 41 years (range 17-86) and 79% were female. Presentations included biliary sepsis (3), pancreatitis (2), abdominal pain (3), or painless jaundice (1). Three patients had the cyst found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and two had an incidental finding after CT scan for an unrelated issue. The length of stay for those who had the cyst removed was 7.8 days (range 5-11). There were no operative or post-operative complications.

Over the last 3 years 36% of our patients with choledochal cysts presented after incidental finding, either during a laparoscopic operation or after a CT scan for an unrelated problem. Increasing utilization of laparoscopy and CT scan for abdominal complaints has lead to a change in the pattern of presentation.