Eur J Pediatr Surg 2009; 19(3): 148-152
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1202365
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Partial Hepatectomy and Total Cyst Excision is Curative for Localized Type IV-A Biliary Duct Cysts – Report of Four Cases and Review of Management

K. Pal 1 , V. P. Singh 2 , D. K. Mitra 1
  • 1Pediatric Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
  • 2Department of Pediatric Surgery, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India
Further Information

Publication History

received July 30, 2008

accepted ater revision December 10, 2008

Publication Date:
03 April 2009 (online)

Abstract

Purpose: With the increasing use of newer modalities such as CT cholangiography and MRCP offering an accurate delineation of the ductal anatomy of choledochal cysts, the incidence of type IV-A biliary duct cysts has increased. Although the management of the more common type I cysts is well established, that of type IV-A cysts is still controversial. The localized/unilobar variety of type IV-A cysts is a unique entity amenable to curative surgical management.

Methods: Between Jan 2000 and Jan 2005, 10 of 25 cases with choledochal cysts were diagnosed as having type IV- cysts. Four of these were localized or unilobar variants affecting only one lobe of the liver. Three cases had a left ductal involvement and one had a right ductal involvement of their intrahepatic component. We describe the presentation and curative surgical management of these patients with a unilobar variety of type IV-A cysts and discuss the management options for type IV-A cysts in the literature.

Results: One child with previous surgical treatment for presumed type 1 cyst, diagnosed as having a type IV-A right ductal cyst complicated with liver abscess, underwent right hepatectomy, two children had a left hepatectomy and one child had a left lateral lobectomy. All four children had uncomplicated intraoperative and postoperative courses. After 4-8 years’ follow-up, all are symptom-free. There were no biliary tract or hepatic abnormalities on radiological surveillance with MRCP.

Conclusions: In some series, the incidence of type IV-A choledochal cysts is equal to or higher than that of type 1 cysts. MRCP and intraoperative cholangiogram can help to confirm the anatomical varieties and associated ductal strictures. In the unilobar/uniductal varieties, complete cyst excision can be safely achieved in children through an additional hepatectomy/lobectomy. This can result in a curative status, leaving the child free from complications such as cholangitis, abscess, hepatolithiasis and the risk of biliary duct malignancy.

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Correspondence

Dr. K. Pal

King Fahad Hospital of the University

Pediatric Surgery Division

Department of Surgery

31982 Al Khobar

Saudi Arabia

Phone: +966/561/21 75 17

Fax: +966/896/67 28

Email: kamalesh_pal@yahoo.com