Choledochal Cyst: A Retrospective Study of 30 Cases From Nepal

Introduction Choledochal cysts (CCs) are uncommon biliary lesions. Considering the evolution of imaging, we describe our experience with the presentation and management of choledochal cysts. Methods A review of the records of all patients with choledochal cyst managed in our institute were retrospectively analyzed. The study analyzed clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and postoperative outcomes.  Results Between 2015 and 2019, 30 CCs (male/female: 7/23) were operated. We observed more adults compared to children (17 vs. 13). The median age at surgery was 18.5 years (4-67 years). The presentation included abdominal pain (90%), pancreatitis (17%0, cholangitis (13%), and incidental diagnosis in (7%). Anomalous union of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct was seen in 17%. Two patients had synchronous cholangiocarcinoma. The cysts were classified (Todani's): I: 26; IV:3; and V: 1. The patients underwent complete excision of the cyst and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy - 27; pancreaticoduodenectomy - 1; hepaticoduodenostomy - 1; and cholecystectomy with T-tube drainage - 1 patient. The operative complications were observed in 10 (33.3%) patients: biliary leaks (four), superficial surgical site infections (four), and cholangitis (three). Only one patient developed a major complication; required re-operation for bile leak peritonitis. There was no operative mortality. One patient with cholangiocarcinoma died with the disease at three months of surgery. The remaining 29 patients are doing well at a mean follow-up of 29.5 months (12-56). Conclusion Adults CCs now far outnumber children at the time of presentation. The majority were symptomatic Todani's type I cyst. Complete cyst excision and bilio-digestive anastomosis is the best treatment for type I and IV CCs, thus eliminating the risk of malignancy with an excellent operative outcome.