Dilation of intraheptic bile ducts in choledochal cyst: case report with follow-up review of the literature

J. M. Loubeau and F. M. Steichen

Fifty-five cases of intrahepatic dilation of the bile ducts associated with choledochal cyst have been found in the literature, mostly reported over the past five years. Obstructive jaundice is often not present at an early stage in this group of patients, but dissociation of the serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels could be an early manifestation of this condition. Recent advances in diagnosis and new concepts of the cause and surgical management are reviewed. A case is reported where choledochocystojejunostomy was performed using automatic stapling instruments. Disappearance of symptoms, normalization of liver functions, and reduction in size of the cysts were observed during the two-year postoperative period.