Endoscopic management of choledochal cyst.
BACKGROUND
Choledochal cyst is an uncommon anomaly of the biliary tract. Experience with this disorder, with emphasis on the role of ERCP in management, is presented.


METHODS
All pertinent data for 13 patients with choledochal cyst seen between 1987 and 1998 were reviewed, retrospectively.


METHODS
Cholangitis, either alone or associated with other findings, was the main presenting feature (69.23% of patients). Bilobar Caroli's disease was the most common cyst type (46.15% of patients). ERCP was diagnostic alone in 46.15% of patients and therapeutic in 53.85%.


CONCLUSIONS
Choledochal cyst is a complex condition that requires early diagnosis. Long-term management remains controversial, and guidelines for treatment require revision. Whether interventional ERCP will obviate the need for surgery or alter the malignant potential of the disorder remains uncertain.
Naga
Mazen Ibrahim
MI
Kasr El-Eini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Suleiman
Dalia Nader
DN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000379:methods*; D015529:Choledochal Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome