Differences in post-operative complications after reconstruction for congenital biliary dilatation in a single institution-Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy versus hepaticoduodenostomy

Background The standard surgical procedure for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) consists of excision of extrahepatic bile duct and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). However, alternative reconstructive operations for CBD includes hepaticoduodenostomy (HD). We compared postoperative complications and therapeutic outcomes of these two operations at our institution. Methods From 1981 to 2009, there were 23 traceable patients who underwent operation for CBD, They were divided into an HJ Group ( n = 15) and an HD Group ( n = 8). Demographic and outcome data were compared. Results There were no significant differences in postoperative complications (cholangitis, pancreatitis, and anastomotic stenosis) and current blood test data (AST, ALT, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Amylase) between the two groups. Current abdominal pain and carcinogenesis were not observed in either group. Intrahepatic stones occurred in one patient in each group, both > 25 years post-operation. Conclusion HD is considered to be an acceptable reconstruction method compared to HJ, based on our results. There has been a suggestion that inadequate diversion in HD might increase the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. To date, in this series, that has not happened.