Comparison of long-term biliary complications between open and laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in children

Cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy has been the classic procedure for treating choledochal cysts, and the use of laparoscopic treatment has been favored recently. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term biliary complication of laparoscopic operation with open surgery for choledochal cyst presenting in children.

A retrospective study comparing the laparoscopic and open procedures was performed in 185 patients with choledochal cyst in a single children's hospital. There were 109 patients who were operated with open surgery, and 76 patients operated with laparoscopic surgery. The primary outcome was long-term biliary complications and the secondary outcome included operative time, intraoperative transfusion, length of hospital stay, and other late postoperative complications.

In the patient's demographics, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Notably, it was shown that the operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group. The number of patients requiring blood transfusion intraoperatively was lower in the laparoscopic group. It was noted that the hospital stay was not statistically different. The duration to resumption of diet and duration of drainage were longer in the laparoscopic group. Biliary complications were shown to be significantly higher in the open group. The risk factor for long-term biliary complications was noted with the intraoperative transfusion.

The use of a laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy is a safe and feasible technique in a young patient. The long-term biliary complication was lower compared to open surgery, rendering this a good option for pediatric patients.