Choledochal cysts

Choledochal Cysts

Choledochal cysts (/koʊˈlɛdəkəl/ koh-LED-ə-kəl) are an abnormal dilatation of the bile ducts, which are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. The etymology of the term "choledochal" is derived from the Greek words "chole" meaning bile and "dochus" meaning duct.

Types

There are five types of choledochal cysts, classified according to the Todani classification:

• Type I: This is the most common type and involves a cystic dilatation of the common bile duct.
• Type II: This type is characterized by a diverticulum of the common bile duct.
• Type III: Also known as choledochoceles, these are cysts located within the duodenal wall.
• Type IV: This type involves multiple cysts in both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.
• Type V: Also known as Caroli's disease, this type involves cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts only.

Symptoms

Symptoms of choledochal cysts can include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, patients may also present with pancreatitis due to the blockage of the pancreatic duct.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of choledochal cysts is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be used to visualize the bile ducts.

Treatment

Treatment for choledochal cysts usually involves surgical removal of the cyst, followed by reconstruction of the bile ducts. This is typically done through a procedure known as a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Related Terms

• Bile Ducts
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Small Intestine
• Jaundice
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pancreatitis
• Ultrasound
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Choledochal cysts
• Wikipedia's article - Choledochal cysts

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