Laparoscopic management of pediatric choledochal cysts in developing countries: review of ten cases

Choledochal cyst

Choledochal cyst (CC) or congenital biliary dilatation, has a skewed distribution with hereditary features that is far more common in East Asian females. CC is usually associated with pancreaticobiliary malunion (PBMU) forming a common channel. CC requires early definitive diagnosis, since there is a risk for malignancy occurring in the CC and/or intrahepatic bile ducts (IHBD). Complete CC excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticoenterostomy is required and can be performed by open or minimally invasive surgery with hepatojejunostomy the recommended procedure of choice. Principles of open surgical intervention form the basis of minimally invasive management with laparoscopy and robotic assistance. Current surgical management is associated with fewer early and late complications, such as hepaticoenterostomy anastomotic leakage, cholangitis, anastomosis stricture, and cholangiocarcinoma. Specific features of CC management at Juntendo include: intraoperative endoscopy of the common channel and IHBD for inspecting and clearing debris to significantly reduce post-operative pancreatitis or stone formation; near infra-red fluorescence with indocyanine green for visualizing tissue planes especially during minimally invasive surgery for CC; and a classification system for CC based on PBMU that overcomes inconsistencies between existing classification systems and clinical presentation.

Outcomes of laparoscopic versus open resection of pediatric choledochal cyst

BACKGROUND

Untreated pediatric choledochal cyst (CC) is associated with complications including cholangitis, pancreatitis, and risk of malignancy. Therefore, CC is typically treated by surgical excision with biliary reconstruction. Both open and laparoscopic (lap) surgical approaches are regularly used, but outcomes have not been compared on a national level.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify pediatric patients (age 0-21 years, excluding newborns) with choledochal cyst from 2016 to 2018 based on ICD-10 codes. Patients were stratified by operative approach (open vs. lap). Demographics, operative management, and complications were compared using standard statistical tests. Results were weighted for national estimates.

RESULTS

Choledochal cyst excision was performed in 577 children (75% female) via lap (28%) and open (72%) surgical approaches. Patients undergoing an open resection experienced longer index hospital length of stay (LOS), higher total cost, and more complications. Anastomotic technique differed by approach, with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) more often utilized with open cases (86% vs. 29%) and hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) more common with laparoscopic procedures (71% vs. 15%), both p < 0.001. There was no significant difference in post-operative cholangitis or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although utilized less frequently than an open approach, laparoscopic choledochal cyst resection is safe in pediatric patients and is associated with shorter LOS, lower costs, and fewer complications. HD anastomosis is more commonly performed during laparoscopic procedures, whereas RYHJ more commonly used with the open approach. While HD is associated with more short-term gastrointestinal dysfunction than RYHJ, the latter is more commonly associated with sepsis, wound infection, and respiratory dysfunction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Retrospective Comparative Study.

Global Health Challenges: Why the Four S's Are Not Enough

A well-known tenant of global health is the need for the four-S's to be successful in providing care in any context; Staff, Stuff, Space and Systems. Advanced thoracoscopy is slow to gain traction in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To our knowledge, no pediatric advanced thoracoscopy had been attempted previously in either LMIC. Therefore, we report the challenges associated with the adoption of the first advanced thoracoscopic procedures in two LMIC hospitals by a visiting surgeon. To further identify aspects of care in promoting the introduction of advanced thoracoscopy, we added a fifth S as an additional category-Socialization. A key to accomplishing goals for the patients as a visiting surgeon, particularly when introducing an advanced procedure, is acceptance into the culture of a hospital. Despite facing significant obstacles in caring for complex thoracic pathology with heavy reliance on disposable and reusable instrumentation provided through donation and limitations in staff such as access to neonatologists and pediatric surgeons, many obstacles have been overcome. In this perspective article, we show that a "fifth S" is also integral-having local surgeons and anesthesiologists eager to learn with acceptance of the visiting surgeon's expertise opens a path towards attempting advanced procedures in limited-resource settings.

Choledochal anomalies in adults: A 20-year single-center retrospective cohort experience in the Middle East

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Choledochal cysts are rare congenital cystic dilatations of the bile ducts that occur in fewer than 1% of individuals. The disease is common in East Asia, and most of the literature concerns those populations, but some data about Western populations have been published recently. Long-term reports about the disease in Middle Eastern populations, however, are currently lacking. We report a single-center 20-year experience in diagnosing and managing choledochal anomalies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants were adult patients in whom choledochal cysts were diagnosed over a 20-year (2000-2019) period at a single tertiary academic care center. Clinical data, including radiologic imaging findings, were retrieved from the patients' medical records. To describe the baseline characteristics of the population, we calculated descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Choledochal anomalies were diagnosed in 19 adult patients, whose median age was 30 years (interquartile range [IQR], 23-67 years). Of the choledochal cysts 13 (68.4%) were classified as Todani type I, 4 (21.1%) as Todani type IV, and 3 (15.8%) as Todani type V (Caroli's disease). No patient had underlying chronic liver disease, and liver synthetic function was preserved in all. Eighteen patients (94.7%) underwent surgery: cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 17 and liver transplantation in 1. All 18 survived surgery, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 11 days (IQR, 5-34 days). All 18 were alive 90 days after surgery, and the median follow-up period was 40 months (IQR, 12-140 months). Seven patients (36.8%) developed postoperative surgical complications; 2 patients required rehospitalization, and 1 required reoperation.

CONCLUSION

This description of adults with choledochal cysts is the latest long-term report about this disease in the Middle East. In our 20-year experience, the disease characteristics in our patients were moderately consistent with those described previously.

Totally laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cyst in adults: a single-institute experience of 5 years

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to describe the authors' experience and the intermediate-term outcome for totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy at a single center in a 5-year period.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy on 31 adult patients from January 2009 to November 2013.

RESULTS

Thirty-one cases successfully underwent totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision laparoscopy and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy. The operation time varied from 200 to 360 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 210 mL. The patients passed flatus in 3.0 ± 1.3 days. The mean time interval to resume oral intake from the time of surgery was 3.8 ± 1.4 days. The duration of postoperative intravenous fluids was 4 to 11 days. Postoperative ambulation varied from 2 to 4 days. The duration of hospital stay was 4 to 13 days. Follow-up observations lasted 3 to 59 months and complications were noted in 4 patients. Of these patients, 1 patient suffered postoperative respiratory tract infection, 1 patient had an episode of adhesive small bowel obstruction, biliary leakage occurred in 1 patient, and 1 patient developed an anastomotic stoma stricture and cholangitis. There were no perioperative deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive procedure for the most instances of adult choledochal cyst. The key of success is skilled laparoscopic skills, good team cooperation, and stapler anastomosis.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of laparoscopic and open operation for congenital choledochal cysts in adults

Background. Laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for treating congenital choledochal cysts (CCCs) have proved to be efficacious in children. Its safety and efficacy in adult patients remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the laparoscopic procedure was feasible and safe in adult patients. Methods. We reviewed 35 patients who underwent laparoscopic operation (laparoscopic group) and 39 patients who underwent an open procedure (open group). The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, time until bowel motion recovery, duration of drainage, postoperative stay, time until resumption of diet, postoperative complications, and perioperative laboratory values were recorded and analyzed in both groups. Results. The operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group and decreased significantly with accumulating surgical experience (P < 0.01). The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.01). The time until bowel peristalsis recovery, time until resumption of diet, abdominal drainage, and postoperative stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.01). The postoperative complication rate was not higher in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (P > 0.05). Conclusions. Laparoscopic cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy are a feasible, effective, and safe method for treating CCCs in adult patients.

Choledochal cyst - presentation and treatment in an adult

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

NONE DECLARED Choledochal cyst is a congenital cystic dilation of a part of bile duct that occurs most commonly in the main part of common bile duct. Diagnosis of choledochal cyst is concluded upon disproportionate expansion of extrahepatic bile duct. Symptom trias are: abdominal pain, jaundice and abdominal mass represent clinical guideline signs of diagnosis. Furthermore, hepato-biliary diseases in adults can conceal the primary condition. In addition to this, ultrasound, CT, MRI, cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), transhepatic percutane cholangiography (PTC) guide us for a detailed examination in order to verify the diagnosis. Active endoscopic cholangiography represents an important technique that provides needed anatomic solution and details in diagnosis of choledochal cyst.

Laparoscopic resection of choledochal cyst: report of a case

We report a choledochal cyst that was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. A 32-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with a suspected choledochal cyst. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and computed tomography showed the common bile duct to be grossly dilated to the hepatic confluence. A diagnosis of type-Ia choledochal cyst in the Todani classification was made, and laparoscopic resection was performed. The patient was placed in the lithotomy position under general anesthesia, and 4 ports were inserted. After the cystic duct was dissected, the hepatoduodenal ligament was incised and a choledochal cyst was identified. Next, the common bile duct was mobilized and dissected away from the surrounding vessels and tissues. Taping of the common bile duct allowed better exposure and dissection of the surrounding tissues. Mobilization of the bile duct and dissection of the surrounding tissue was performed to the bifurcation of the common hepatic duct. Then the common hepatic duct was transected just distal to the choledochal cyst. The inferior common bile duct was dissected from the pancreas to identify the distal end of the choledochal cyst and the pancreaticobiliary junction behind the duodenum. The narrow segment of the choledochal cyst was identified and divided after distal closure with clips. After the gall bladder was dissected from the liver bed, the choledochal cyst and gallbladder were removed. A Roux limb was created extracorporeally via the umbilical incision. The jejunum 30 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz was removed through the transumbilical incision and transected. To create the Roux limb, the mesentery of the jejunum was also extracorporeally separated. A 50-cm Roux limb was made by means of side-to-side anastomosis with an endostapler. After a jejunostomy for hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis was created, the Roux limb was returned to the abdominal cavity. Then, pneumoperitoneum was started again, and the Roux limb was brought up laparoscopically in a retrocolic fashion. An end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was intracorporeally established with a continuous, single-layer full-thickness 4-0 vicryl suture. Total operation time was 715 minutes. Intraoperative body fluid loss was 250 mL, and the postoperative course was uneventful with no major complications. The patient was discharged from hospital on the 12th postoperative day. She remains asymptomatic with normal liver function after 24 months of follow-up.

Laparoscopic surgery for biliary atresia and choledochal cyst

Minimally invasive surgery in children has evolved to the extent that complex procedures can be performed with safety and outcome comparable with open surgery, with the advantage of minimal scarring. Here we describe the latest laparoscopic techniques used by us at the Juntendo University Hospital, Japan, for treating biliary atresia and choledochal malformation, with presentation of our postoperative management and discussion of preliminary outcomes.

Choledochal cyst: A review of 79 cases and the role of hepaticodochoduodenostomy

AIM

To analyze our experience of choledochal cysts. The results of complete excision of cyst and hepaticodochoduodenostomy have been analyzed in particular.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PERIOD OF STUDY

January 1993 to August 2010. Apart from basic investigations, we did ultrasonography (USG) of abdomen, contrast-enhanced computerized axial tomography scan (CECT), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), operative cholangiogram, hepatic isotope scan (HIDA), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogram (MRCP) and choledochoscopy. The patients were divided into six groups according to the management done and the results analyzed.

RESULTS

The total number of cases was 79 (Male : Female = 26 : 53). The mean age of presentationwas 5.18 years. The most common mode of presentation was abdominal pain in 86% cases. Types of cysts - Type I: 63; Type IV: 12; Forme fruste: 1; Caroli's disease: 1; Cyst with atresia in the lower end of common bile duct: 2. Two patients of group A (cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy) had recurrent pain and cholangitis. One patient required revision for stricture. In group E (n=53) (excision of cyst and hepaticodochoduodenostomy), three patients developed occasional epigastric pain and they responded to omeprazole. One patient developed anastomotic stricture and was lost to follow up. One patient of cyst with biliary atresia with biliary cirrhosis died.

CONCLUSIONS

In choledochal cyst, complete excision of cyst and good bilioenteric anastomosis with wide stoma should be done. Hepaticodochoduodenostomy with wide stoma is a simple, quick procedure with preservation of normal anatomy and physiology and minimum complications. It also avoids multiple intestinal anastomoses and so should be the preferred approach.

Laparoscopic-assisted clearance of protein plugs in the common channel in children with choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted removal of protein plugs from the common channel in choledochal cysts.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2009, 34 patients with choledochal cysts (mean age, 4.98 years) with protein plugs in the common channel successfully underwent laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy. Under direct vision during laparoscopy, urethroscopes or catheters were inserted into the common channel to irrigate and remove the protein plugs. Complete clearance was confirmed by either direct urethroscopic visualization or cholangiogram that demonstrated (1) no filling defects in the common channel, (2) significant reduction of common channel diameter, (3) free passage of contrast agent into the duodenum, and (4) no pancreatic duct reflux. Operative time and blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, duration of drainage, postoperative complications, perioperative ultrasonographic findings, and laboratory results were reviewed.

RESULTS

Protein plugs were completely removed in all the patients. The mean operative time, postoperative hospital stay, and drainage duration were 3.51 hours, 7.08 days, and 3.41 days, respectively. The median follow-up period was 32 months. Neither mortality nor complications of pancreatic juice leak, pancreatitis, or stone formation were observed. Liver function parameters and serum amylase levels returned to normal postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic-assisted clearance of the protein plugs in the common channel in choledochal cyst is effective, with good medium-term results observed.

Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cysts with total intracorporeal reconstruction

PURPOSE

There are numerous published reports of laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts (CDCs), but almost all involve extracorporeal reconstruction of a biliary drainage system. We describe and evaluate the technique of laparoscopic CDC resection with total intracorporeal reconstruction.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients who underwent a laparoscopic CDC resection from March 2005 to January 2010 at Rocky Mountain Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. We obtained data on operative time, characteristics of reconstruction, time to initiation of diet, length of stay, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (median age 5 years, range 1-16) underwent a laparoscopic CDC excision with total intracorporeal reconstruction. Four ports were used in all cases and no patients required conversion to an open procedure. Operative time ranged from 130 to 325 minutes (median 240 minutes). Median time to initiation of diet was 1 day (range 1-4 days). Median length of stay was 5 days (range 4-8 days). There were no cases of cholangitis; however, 1 patient developed a small bowel obstruction requiring re-operation.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection of CDCs with total intracorporeal reconstruction is a safe and effective technique. The minimal handling of the bowel appears to minimize postoperative ileus, allows for early postoperative feeding and discharge.

Management of type I choledochal cyst in adult: totally laparoscopic resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticoenterostomy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of the biliary tree. The accepted mode of treatment is total excision with hepaticojejunostomy. In this retrospective study, we present our technique and results of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excisions.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 45 patients who had undergone laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in our institutes from September 2006 to August 2009. Data including age, gender, type of cyst, symptoms, surgical technique, conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were type Ic (cystic) choledochal cysts in 31 patients (68.9%) and type If (fusiform) in 14 patients (31.1%). An anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction union was found in 66.7%. Forty percent (18 out of 45) and 37.8% (17 out of 45) cases had stones within the cysts and gallbladders, respectively. The average size of the cysts was 40.3 +/- 16.9 cm(2). The mean operative time was 307.7 +/- 58.0 min, the estimated operative blood loss was 252.3 +/- 162.5 ml, and the conversion rate was 8.9%. The mean hospital stay was 8.3 +/- 3.2 days. The overall morbidity rate was 17.1%, the reoperation rate was zero, and the mortality rate was also zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally, laparoscopic management of type I choledochal cysts, although technically challenging, is safe and feasible in experienced hands.

An Isolator System for minimally invasive surgery: the new design

BACKGROUND

The risk of obtaining a postsurgical infection depends highly on the air quality surrounding the exposed tissue, surgical instruments, and materials. Many isolators for open surgery have been invented to create a contained sterile volume around the exposed tissue. With the use of an isolator, a surgical procedure can be performed outside sterile environments. The goal of this study was to design an Isolator System (IS) for standard laparoscopic instruments while instrument movements are not restricted.

METHODS

The developed IS consists of a sleeve to protect the instrument shaft and tip and a special balloon to protect the incision and trocar tube. A coupling mechanism connected at the sleeve allows instrument changes without contamination of the isolated parts. Smoke tests were performed to show that outside air does not enter the new IS during a simulated laparoscopic procedure. Eight test runs and one baseline run inside a contained volume filled with thick smoke were performed to investigate whether smoke particles entered the Isolator System. Filters were used to identify smoke entering the Isolator System.

RESULTS

Seven filters showed no trace of smoke particles. In one test run, a part of the IS loosened and a small brown spot was visible. The filter from the baseline run was completely covered with a thick layer of particles, proving the effectiveness of the test. During all test runs, the isolated instrument was successfully locked on and unlocked from the isolated trocar. Instrument movements gave no complications. After removal of the isolated instrument, it took three novices an average of 3.1 (standard deviation (SD), 0.7) seconds to replace it correctly on the isolated trocar.

CONCLUSIONS

The designed IS for laparoscopy can increase sterility in environments where sterility cannot be guaranteed. The current design is developed for laparoscopy, but it can easily be adapted for other fields in minimally invasive surgery.

Laparoscopic management of choledochal cysts: technique and outcomes--a retrospective study of 35 patients from a tertiary center

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of the biliary tree. The accepted mode of treatment is total excision with hepaticojejunostomy. In this retrospective study, we present our technique and results of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively studied 35 patients who had undergone laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in our institute from 1996 to 2008. Data about age, gender, type of choledochal cyst, symptoms, surgical technique, conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were Type 1B choledochal cysts in 27 patients (77%) and Type IVA in 8 patients (23%). An anomalous pancreatobiliary junction was found in 40%. Mean operative time was 295 minutes. Total cyst excision could be done in 26 patients. The conversion rate in our series was 8.5%. The overall morbidity rate was 14.3%, the reoperation rate was 8.5%, the mortality rate was 0%, and the incidence of carcinoma was 8.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

To minimize the risk of malignancy, total excision of the cyst is ideal, but a small proximal cuff of cyst is retained for small-size ducts to aid in the hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis. A slit on one end of the small ducts will render the anastomosis in an oblique orientation, widening the lumen. Dissecting the posterior cyst wall from the underlying portal vein is the most crucial part of the procedure. Morbidity and mortality rates after laparoscopic management are comparable with published results of the open procedure. Laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cysts is feasible, safe, and even advantageous.

Minimally invasive surgery

The field of Minimally Invasive Surgery or Minimally Access Surgery (MAS) as it is commonly known has grown remarkably over the past two decades. MAS has a steep learning curve and unexpected complications with MAS are not infrequent unless approached with great caution. However it leads to a shorter hospital stay, less analgesic use, rapid return to school and a better cosmetic outcome. MAS in children started in India a decade ago, and has a great impact on the way we manage pediatric surgical problems today. This article is a brief description of most of the procedures that are being done with the help of MAS. In addition to these, new techniques, procedures and innovations are always ongoing in this fast developing field. MAS is being practiced in limited centers in our country with expanding experience and indications. Its use in children as the first option for early appendicitis, intraabdominal testis, gall stone disease and a few other conditions is now proven beyond doubt. There are other indications and areas of application of MAS which are continuously evolving and needs institutional audit and validation at every step before moving to the next phase.

The robotic approach to complex hepatobiliary anomalies in children: preliminary report

PURPOSE

Robotic technology allows surgeons to perform complex procedures which may be difficult with standard laparoscopic instruments. We believe that complex hepatobiliary procedures are ideally suited for robotic surgery in children and present our experience with Kasai portoenterostomy and excision of choledochal cysts.

METHODS

We performed 4 complex hepatobiliary procedures in children using the Da Vinci surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA): 2 Kasai portoenterostomies and 2 choledochal cyst resections. Both Kasais had the Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy performed extracorporeally through the 12 mm umbilical trocar site. Both choledochal cysts had the Roux-En-Y jejunojejunostomy performed intracorporeally. All patients had their hepatobiliary to enteric anastomosis performed intracorporeally.

RESULTS

Total average time was 6 hours and 12 minutes for the Kasai and 7 hours and 38 minutes for the choledochal cysts. The average robotic console time for all cases was 6 hours. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. Average length of hospital stay was 4 days. Both choledochal cyst patients were doing well after 9 and 12 months with no complications. One Kasai patient is doing well 14 months after Kasai with a normal bilirubin. The other Kasai patient did well for a year with a normal bilirubin. However, the patient slowly developed intrahepatic bile lakes despite a normal bilirubin and a well draining Kasai as demonstrated by hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HDA) scan. He began having recurrent episodes of cholangitis and we referred him for liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive robotic complex hepatobiliary surgery is safe and effective in children. The 3-dimensional imaging and improved articulations make these procedures particularly suited for robotics over standard laparoscopy.