Choledochal cyst: Complications of anomalous connection between the choledochus and pancreatic duct and carcinoma of the biliary tract

Abstract

Abstract We have done a retrospective study of the clinical features, complications, surgical treatment, histological findings, and outcome of 27 adults with choledochal cyst (congenital biliary dilatation) whom we have encountered in the past 11 years. In 24 (88.9%) of them, an anomalous connection between the choledochus and the pancreatic duct was found by direct cholangiography, or during operation or autopsy; three also had carcinoma of the biliary tract. In congenital biliary dilatation, this anomalous connection seems to be a major factor in causing cholangitis and carcinoma of the biliary tract. For this reason, congenital biliary dilatation must be treated surgically. This involves resection of the dilated bile duct and the gallbladder to remove the place where bile stasis had been present, and reconstruction of the biliary tract to stop reflux of pancreatic juice in the bile duct .