Surgical management of cystic dilatation bile ducts in adults

BACKGROUND: The cystic dilatation of the biliary tract is a rare disease and uncertain origin. It is recognized more frequently in children; however, its incidence comes increasing in adults, representing 20% of the cases. AIM: To evaluate morbimortality rates, evolution and handing of patients with cystic dilatation bile ducts in adults. METHODS: Were evaluated, retrospectively, five adults who had the diagnosis of choledochal cyst and that had been submitted to some surgical procedure. RESULTS: Abdominal pain was the commonest complain to all patients. Jaundice was present in 80%. Ultrasound scanning was done in all the cases as initial examination. CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were also done in some patients; however, the diagnosis was established intra-operatively in all cases. The cyst resection with reconstruction of the biliary tract was done in 60%; the cystojejunostomy in 20%; and in 20% biliary tract drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary tract cystic dilatation is a rare disease. However, its incidence is increasing in the adult population, so, it must be thought as differential diagnosis when facing obstructive jaundice.