Choledochal cyst treatment
How are choledochal cysts treated? Children with choledochal cysts need surgery to remove them. This involves removing a lobe of the liver if the cysts are intrahepatic, or part of the duct outside of the liver if the cysts are located there. This surgery also includes biliary reconstruction using a piece of intestine. Minimally invasive surgery Surgeon are often able to remove choledochal cysts with a minimally invasive surgery called a laparoscopy. With this technique, small instruments guided by a small telescope are passed through the body. In many cases children, can go home in one to two days and return to their normal activities more quickly than children who have open surgery. Other benefits of minimally invasive surgery include: very small scars, which are difficult to see after several months less pain after surgery usually a shorter hospital stay Without surgery, children with choledochal cysts have an ongoing risk of other problems: biliary obstruction infection of the ducts jaundice cirrhosis In adulthood, choledochal cysts can become cancerous if left untreated.