Does the type of anomalous arrangement of pancreaticobiliary ducts influence the surgery and prognosis of choledochal cyst?

A new classification of the anomalous arrangement of pancreaticobiliary ducts (APBD) has been proposed following amendments and modificiations of the previous one. Fifty-one cases of choledochal cyst complicated with APBD were extensively examined and analyzed for clear visualization of the APBD system to make a standard classification. APBD were classified broadly into three types: type I, type II, and type III with their subtypes. Type I of APBD was seen in 18 (35.3%), type II in 11 (21.6%) and type III in 22 (43.1%) cases, respectively. A radical operation, including complete excision of the dilated biliary duct followed by reconstruction of the biliary tract was the surgical treatment of choice, because the reflux of the pancreatic juice into the biliary tract is prevented. However, a dilated common channel or accessory pancreatic duct, according to the new Komi type Ib, IIb, and IIIc3 of APBD, could be the cause of relapsing pancreatitis leading to chronic pancreatitis, due to the formation of a protein plug or pancreatic calculus in the dilated duct, even after this radical operation. In two complicated cases of type IIIc3 of APBD in choledochal cyst, we performed a pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy as one of the operative methods of choice. Long-term follow-up, more than decades, is essential to evaluate the results of surgical procedure for choledochal cyst, especially in those complicated cases with type Ib, IIb, and IIIc3 of APBD according to the new Komi's classification.