CHILD SURGEON
CHOLEDOCHAL CYST
हिंदी वीडियो
Video in English
Choledochal cyst is a condition in which there is abnormal dilatation (widening) of the tube which carries bile (fluid produced by liver) form liver to the intestine. The presence of the cyst can cause problems with the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. This obstruction can lead to various symptoms, which may include:
Abdominal pain: The person might experience pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Jaundice: This is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the buildup of a substance called bilirubin, which is normally removed from the body through bile.
Nausea and vomiting: Bile plays a role in digestion, and when its flow is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues.
Infections: The stagnant bile in the blocked ducts can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infections in the liver or the bile ducts.
Diagnosis can be made on Ultrasound. MRI is often advised to further classify the type and severity of the disease.
Surgery related
Surgery is the primary and most effective treatment for choledochal cysts. The goal of surgery is to remove the cyst and reconstruct the affected bile ducts to restore the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. The specific surgical procedure used depends on the type and severity of the choledochal cyst. There are generally two main types of surgical procedures for choledochal cysts:
Complete Excision with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy: This is the most common and widely used surgical technique. During the surgery, the entire choledochal cyst is removed, along with any abnormal segments of the bile ducts. The remaining healthy bile ducts are then reattached to the small intestine using a surgical technique called Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. This creates a new pathway for bile to flow from the liver to the intestine, bypassing the removed cyst.
Cyst excision with Hepaticoduodonosotomy: The cyst is again removed but the ducts are attached to intestine very close to stomach which is called duodenum.
The choice of the surgical approach depends on factors like the size and location of the cyst, the presence of any complications, and the surgeon's expertise and judgment.
Follow up
The long-term outcomes of choledochal cysts largely depend on early detection, appropriate treatment, and postoperative care. With timely intervention and proper management, many individuals with choledochal cysts can lead relatively healthy lives. However, it's essential to be aware that complications can arise if the condition is left untreated or if there are delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Surgical Outcome: The primary treatment for choledochal cysts involves surgical removal of the cyst and reconstruction of the bile ducts. If the surgery is successful and there are no significant complications, patients can experience a good long-term outcome. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks, such as infections, bleeding, and anastomotic leak and strictures (narrowing of the surgically reconstructed ducts). The risk of complications can be minimized with skilled surgeons and appropriate postoperative care.
Bile Duct Complications: In some cases, even after successful surgery, patients might experience complications related to the reconstructed bile ducts. Strictures or blockages can occur, leading to issues with bile flow. These complications might require additional procedures or interventions to address and improve bile flow.
Long-term Liver Function: If the choledochal cyst has caused prolonged obstruction of the bile ducts, it can lead to liver damage. Timely intervention and surgical correction can prevent further damage and improve liver function. However, in severe cases where there has been extensive liver damage, long-term monitoring and management of liver function might be necessary.
Risk of Cancer: Individuals with choledochal cysts have a higher risk of developing bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) later in life, particularly if the condition is left untreated or if cyst has not been completely removed during surgery.
Quality of Life: With successful surgery and appropriate care, most people can lead normal lives without significant health issues related to the choledochal cyst. However, some individuals might experience long-term effects on their quality of life due to previous surgeries or complications.
It's important to emphasize that early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are critical for achieving the best long-term outcomes. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers are essential for monitoring the patient's health and addressing any potential issues that may arise.