Choledocal Cyst in Children

During a period of two years (1984 - 1985), three patients with diagnosis of choledocal cyst have gone under operation in department of pediatric surgery (Taleghani Medical Centre). Choledochal cyst is a congenital malformation of the pancreatobiliary system. Its pathogenesis is not yet completely understood.The famale/male predisposition is 4/1. More than 50% of the patients present during their first decade of life. The classic triad are abdominal pain, jaundice and abdominal mass. Ultrasonography is the best initial method of im·estigation of choledochal cyst. Abdominal Ct scan and percutaneus transhepatic cholangiography and ERCP can also be helpful in finding unsuspected biliary cyst. Operathe cholangiography is recommended in all types of choledochal cyst. Operative resection of choledochal cyst and gallbladder with biliary reconstruction by ROUX - EN - Y choledochojejunostomy is the treatment of choice. Primary excision of the cyst is mandatory to prevent ascending cholangitis and development of carcinoma.