report of 23 cases of choledochal cyst from two hospitals, mofid and taleghani in tehran (1986-2004)

background: choledochal cyst is a congenital disorder of biliary tract. it is rare in western but more common in asian countries. most studies have been case reports but in this study for assessment of surgical method of treatment and late complications, patients were followed for 18 years.   methods: this retrospective study was done based on 23 patients profiles with diagnosis of choledochal cyst who have been admitted in two hospitals, mofid and taleghani in tehran during 1986-2004. diagnosis was based on imaging and intraoperative findings variables for assessment were age, sex, cyst type, clinical picture and surgical method of treatment. results: 70% of cases were female. type i (sacular and fusiform, 74%) was the most common type, 70% of cases were between 1-5 years old, sonography was the most common imaging technic, that used for diagnosis (100% of cases), icter was the most common clinical picture found in 70% of cases, surgical procedures and method in 70% of cases was standard and 30% of patients underwent palliative procedures. conclusion: although this study shows similarity in age, sex, common type, diagnostic and treatment methods with another centers and countries, but it shows necessity of surgeon’s encouragement to use standard surgical method for decreasing late complications of disease.