Comparison of Single-Incision and Conventional Laparoscopic Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy for Children with Choledochal Cysts

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the potential benefits of single-incision laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy comparing the conventional laparoscopic procedures. From January 2013 to July 2013, 17 consecutive children with choledochal cysts received single-incision laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomies by a single surgeon at our institution. Seventeen standard laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomies of consecutive children with choledochal cysts from July 2012 to December 2012 were employed as control. Demographic and perioperative information was identified retrospectively using clinic and hospital records including gender, age, total operating time, estimated blood loss, time to oral intake, drainage removal time, postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay. One patient was converted to open surgery and another 8-year-old boy conversed to conventional four-port laparoscopic procedure. There were no significant differences between the conventional laparoscopic group and the single-incision laparoscopic group with regard to preoperative variables including age ( P = 0.697) and sex distribution ( P = 1.000). For mean operative time (209.9 ± 7.5 vs 204.1 ± 6.9 min, P = 0.951), estimated blood loss (10.7 ± 1.1 vs 13.4 ± 1.7 ml, P = 0.103), time to oral intake (3.73 ± 0.21 vs 3.77 ± 0.20 days, P = 0.889), drainage removal time (4.20 ± 0.45 vs 4.06 ± 0.23 days, P = 0.067), and postoperative hospital stay (7.60 ± 0.25 vs 7.41 ± 0.21 days, P = 0.627), the differences were also nonsignificant. Nevertheless, this technique demonstrated improved cosmetic outcomes comparing with the conventional laparoscopic group. The results showed better cosmetic results and comparable postoperative outcomes. However, well-designed prospective studies are warranted to better address this issue.