Objective: To retrospectively study the early complications of excision with hepaticoenterostomy for infants and children with choledochal cysts.
Methods: We analyzed 16 patients with early postoperative complications out of 173 patients with congenital choledochal cysts aged 27 days to 14 years (mean 2.4 years) who had undergone excisional procedures and biliary tract reconstruction.
Results: The early complications included bile leakage (10 patients), abdominal wall dehiscence (3), and hepatic failure, pancreatic juice leakage and postoperative intussusception (each in 1) respectively. Three patients died from bile leakage and 1 from postoperative hepatic failure. No statistical differences were observed between the procedures of biliary tract reconstruction with j
ejunal segment interposition hepaticoduodenostomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (P>0.75). The morbidity was significantly higher in infants below 1 year than in children (P<0.005). Prevention and treatment of the complications were discussed.
Conclusion: Bile leakage and abdominal wall dehiscence are major early postoperative complications. The morbidity of cholechal cysts is higher in infants than in children. Exploratory laparotomy should not be delayed when biliary leakage with diffuse peritonitis appears. The “tension suture in the fascial space of the abdominal wall” is useful to prevent and treat wound dehiscence.