Surgical management of cystic dilatation bile ducts in adults

The cystic dilatation of the biliary tract is a rare disease and uncertain origin. It is recognized more frequently in children; however, its incidence comes increasing in adults, representing 20% of the cases.

To evaluate morbimortality rates, evolution and handing of patients with cystic dilatation bile ducts in adults.

Were evaluated, retrospectively, five adults who had the diagnosis of choledochal cyst and that had been submitted to some surgical procedure.

Abdominal pain was the commonest complain to all patients. Jaundice was present in 80%. Ultrasound scanning was done in all the cases as initial examination. CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were also done in some patients; however, the diagnosis was established intra-operatively in all cases. The cyst resection with reconstruction of the biliary tract was done in 60%; the cystojejunostomy in 20%; and in 20% biliary tract drainage.

Biliary tract cystic dilatation is a rare disease. However, its incidence is increasing in the adult population, so, it must be thought as differential diagnosis when facing obstructive jaundice.