Complete laparoscopic management of choledochal cyst: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cyst is a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary tract. With increased familiarity with the laparoscopic anatomy of the biliary tract and advances in minimally invasive techniques, surgeons have ventured further to operate on technically difficult cases such as choledochal cyst that were until recently managed by laparotomy.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We present our experience with two female patients aged 14 years and 26 years with choledochal cyst (type I according to the Alonzo-Lej classification) that were successfully excised with construction of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy entirely laparoscopically.

RESULTS

Both patients had an uneventful recovery, with no major morbidity. The first patient had a bile leak, which resolved over 5 days. Both were discharged by the 5(th) postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic management of choledochal cyst is feasible although technically difficult and may be performed in specialized institutes dealing with advanced laparoscopic surgery.