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Choledocholithiasis in a premature neonate
M B Ishitani1, D B Shaul, E A Padua
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Insights
Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct) is rare in infants, particularly premature ones. A premature neonate with biliary stones was successfully treated with a cholecystotomy tube and biliary irrigation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis are uncommon in neonates and infants.
- Prematurity and associated complications increase the risk of biliary calculi development.
- Increased use of ultrasonography may lead to more frequent diagnoses in neonates.
Observation:
- A case of choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis in a premature neonate is presented.
- The neonate had complications related to prematurity, predisposing to biliary calculi.
- Diagnostic ultrasonography likely contributed to the identification of the condition.
Findings:
- Successful treatment was achieved through surgical placement of a cholecystotomy tube.
- Irrigation of the biliary system via the tube effectively managed the stones.
- This case highlights a viable treatment option for neonatal biliary stones.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates a successful minimally invasive approach for treating neonatal choledocholithiasis.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes in premature infants with biliary calculi.
- Further research into the predisposition and management of biliary stones in premature neonates is warranted.
Abstract:
Choledocholithiasis in neonates and infants has been reported only rarely. Infants with complications of prematurity are more predisposed to development of biliary calculi. With the current widespread use of diagnostic ultrasonography, more neonates may be found to have gallstones and common bile duct stones. We describe a case of choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis in a premature neonate successfully treated by surgical placement of a cholecystotomy tube and irrigation of the biliary system.