CHOLEDOCHAL CYSTS - DIFFERENCES IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Choledochal cysts in children and adults may behave differently. To id entify these differences the records of 49 patients (22 children and 2 7 adults) who underwent surgery for choledochal cysts over a period of 7 years were analysed retrospectively. In two adult patients who had undergone a previous cholecystectomy an acquired malformation could no t be excluded, Cholangitis was more common in adults. Choledochal cyst s in children were predominantly Type I cystic lesions, whereas Type I V cysts were more common in adult patients. Anomalies of the pancreati c duct and associated hepatobiliary problems were seen exclusively in adults and the latter can make excision of the cyst more difficult and complicated. To prevent the development of complications choledochal cysts should be excised as soon as they are detected.