Choledochal cyst in the adult.

OBJECTIVE

The authors examined the natural history of choledochal cysts in adults treated surgically.

BACKGROUND

An initial diagnosis of choledochal cyst is uncommon in adults. The recommended treatment is excision, rather than bypass, to achieve effective biliary drainage and because of the risk of cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 27 adult patients was completed to determine the frequency of anastomotic complications and the incidence of cancer.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were treated by cyst excision, and one developed an anastomotic stricture, treated by percutaneous dilation. Eight of 11 patients treated by cyst enterostomy required additional surgery for anastomotic revision. A final patient was treated by T-tube drainage. Five of the seven patients with cancer have died at a mean of 21.6 months.

CONCLUSION

This experience documents the high incidence of cancer (26%), and high rate of stricture after cyst enterostomy (73%). The dismal prognosis once cancer has developed warrants cyst excision, even in asymptomatic patients, including those with prior cyst enterostomies.