Laparoscopic Resection of Congenital Cystic Dilatation of the Cystic Duct in a Pediatric Patient

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital cystic duct dilatation, or Todani classification type VI dilatation, is a rare variant of congenital bile duct dilatation.

Objective: To explain the diagnostic and therapeutic methodology used in a pediatric case with this entity, and to highlight the advantage of its timely minimally invasive treatment.

Case presentation: Six-year-old male patient with symptoms suggestive of gallbladder disease, referred from secondary care for suspicion of a common bile duct cyst. Ultrasound showed an echolucent lesion adjacent to the gallbladder, without dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Laparoscopic cholangiography was performed and confirmed an isolated cystic dilatation of the cystic duct, which was resected laparoscopically, likewise.

Conclusions: The incidence of cystic dilatation of the cystic duct is very low and may present in children with variable symptomatology. Diagnosis is usually late, can be suspected by abdominal ultrasound and confirmed by laparoscopic cholangiography, even in the absence of other more modern diagnostic tools. Its recognition and correct classification permit a successful definitive surgical treatment, preferably laparoscopically.