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Updated: May 16, 2026
Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Early experience with laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst in 41 children
Bin Wang1, Qi Feng, Jian-xiong Mao
1Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Children Hospital, Shenzhen 518026, Guangdong, China.
Insights
Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cysts in children is a safe and effective surgical option. This study shows successful outcomes with minimal complications in early center experience.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Gastrointestinal surgery
Background:
- Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of the biliary tree.
- Surgical excision is the standard treatment for choledochal cysts.
- Laparoscopic techniques offer potential benefits over open surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the initial experience with laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this minimally invasive approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 41 pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.
- Data collected included demographics, operative details, and post-operative outcomes.
- Follow-up duration ranged from 1 month to 1 year.
Main Results:
- Successful laparoscopic excision in 40 out of 41 patients; one conversion to open surgery.
- Mean operative time was 210 minutes.
- Four patients experienced minor bile leaks requiring percutaneous drainage; no significant long-term complications observed.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cysts is a safe and effective procedure in children.
- This approach was successfully implemented at our center.
- Further long-term follow-up is needed to confirm sustained outcomes.
Objective:
This study aims to review our center's early experience in managing children with choledochal cysts using laparoscopic excision.
Methods:
A retrospective study was carried out from the time of our first case of laparoscopic excision (2010). A total of 41 patients with choledochal cysts underwent laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Patient demographics, operative data, and post-operative outcomes were recorded and analyzed.
Results:
Forty patients underwent the operation successfully, and the mean time of operation was 210 min (range 140 min to 380 min). One case was converted to an open operation due to dense adhesions. All patients recovered uneventfully and were discharged between seven and ten days post-operatively. Four patients suffered minor bile leaks after their operations, but they required only percutaneous drainage. The mean time for follow-up was six months (range 1 month to 1 year). No significant complication was noted during that time.
Conclusions:
We successfully introduced laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst in our center and have found this to be a safe and effective method. Long-term follow up is awaited.