Endoscopic cystostomy and biliary sphincterotomy for choledochoceles: A pediatric case series

Management of choledochoceles (type III choledochal cysts) in children varies. We highlight the potential role of endoscopic management of choledochoceles with cystostomy and biliary sphincterotomy through a series of three successfully treated pediatric patients aged 12-13 at our tertiary center. Patients presented with symptoms including abdominal pain and pancreatitis. Choledochoceles were identified by preprocedure imaging on magnetic resonance imaging, with sizes ranging between 7 and 15 mm in maximal diameter. Histology revealed two choledochoceles lined by biliary epithelium and one by intestinal epithelium. Clinical improvement was sustained at a 2-year follow-up, with radiographic resolution on repeat imaging and normal tumor markers. We conclude that endoscopic management of choledochoceles with cystostomy and biliary sphincterotomy is a therapeutic option in children and can lead to sustained resolution of associated symptoms. While there is some lifetime risk of malignancy with choledochal cysts, malignancy in choledochoceles is rare.