Long-term outcomes after excision of choledochal cysts in a single institution: Operative procedures and late complications

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes for a minimum of 3 years after cyst excision in children with choledochal cysts, focusing on the relationship between operative procedures and outcomes. Methods Between 1977 and 2008, 138 children underwent cyst excision. Follow-up results were obtained from 120 patients. Their mean age was 20.9 years (range 4–49). The mean interval between surgery and conducting the analysis was 16.6 years (range 3–34). These patients were divided into two groups based on their operative procedures: group A (1977–2000) comprising 76 patients who underwent cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy below the hilum, and group B (2001–2008) comprising 44 patients who underwent excision of the extrahepatic bile duct from the confluence of the hepatic duct to near the level of the pancreatobiliary junction with wide hilar hepaticojejunostomy. When hepatic strictures were seen near the hilum, duct plasty was made. We evaluated the long-term outcomes in the two groups. Results Late complications were seen in a total of 18 patients (15.0%). In group A, 16 patients (21.1%) had late complications, which included cholangitis and/or hepatic stones in 9, stones in residual intrapancreatic cysts in 4, intestinal obstruction in 2, and pancreatitis in 1. Of these 16 patients, 12 patients (15.8%), including 7 with hepatic stones (6 IV-A and 1 Ic cysts), 4 with remnant intrapancreatic cysts, and 3 with intestinal obstruction underwent surgical intervention. In group B, none of the patients developed cholangitis, pancreatitis, or stone formation. However, 2 patients (4.5%) developed intestinal obstruction that required surgery. Conclusions Although a longer follow-up period is necessary, late complications were more frequent in group A than in group B patients and with type IV-A cysts. We believe that excision of the extrahepatic bile duct with wide hilar hepaticojejunostomy is essential for the prevention of postoperative complications.