Background: Laparoscopic surgical techniques have been applied for reconstruction after choledochal cyst resection. The aim of our study was to report the technical details of laparoscopic hepaticoduodenostomy and to compare outcomes between the open and laparoscopic approaches at our institution.
Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of children with choledochal cyst who underwent hepaticoduodenostomy between August 2005 and May 2009. Patients were divided into open and laparoscopic groups based on the surgical approach. We analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics to compare the outcomes in these 2 groups.
Results: From August 2005 to May 2009, 21 patients underwent choledochal cyst excision with hepaticoduodenostomy reconstruction. Six patients underwent laparoscopic hepaticoduodenostomy and 15 underwent open hepaticoduodenostomy reconstruction. There were no significant differences in age or gender, characterization of the cyst, presentation, or preoperative laboratory results. There were no significant differences in operative time, days to full enteral nutrition, or time to discharge between the 2 groups. There were no differences in postoperative complications between the 2 groups.
Conclusion: A laparoscopic approach to choledochal cyst resection and hepaticoduodenostomy is feasible and safe.