On complications after laparoscopic total cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy for congenital choledochal cyst / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the categories and precautions of complications after laparoscopic total cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy for congenital choledochal cyst in children. Methods Laparoscopic cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy was performed in 66 cases of congenital choledochal cyst from July 2001 to June 2006. Their median age was 3.8 years (range, 2 months ~ 28 years). The choledochal cyst was classified as cystic type in 61 cases, with a diameter ranged 2.5~18 cm, and fusiform type in 5 cases, with a diameter ranged 1.2~2.2 cm. Nine cases were associated with hepatic ductal stenosis; they underwent a laparoscopic excision of the cyst with a ductoplasty. Results The laparoscopic operation was successfully completed in all the 66 patients, with a mean operation time of 3.8 h (2.6~9.5 h) and a mean hospital stay of 4.5 d (3~8 d). Early complications included 2 cases of bile leakage (spontaneous recovery in 1 case, and an open surgery required in 1 case because of obstructed drainage, with anastomotic leakage identified and re-anastomosis performed during the operation), 1 case of hyperkalemia (10.8 mmol/L at 7 h after operation, resulting in heart failure and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and died of renal failure on the 3rd postoperative day), and 2 cases of stress ulcer (spontaneously relieved). There were no infections of the abdominal cavity or the wound. Long-term complications included 1 case of intestinal obstruction (open exploration showed intestinal adhesion and necrosis, and an enterectomy with enteroanastomosis was given). No anastomotic stenosis and postoperative cholangitis were encountered.Follow-up observations for 6~56 months (median, 21 months) were conducted in 65 survived cases, B-ultrasonography found no bilestone, and liver functions were in normal limits. Conclusions Laparoscopic total cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy is a complicated operation with high risks. Some complications are similar to those after conventional operations, such as bile leakage, stress ulcer, and intestinal obstruction. Hyperkalemia is perhaps the most serious one, which maybe related to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. It is essential to monitoring hyperkalemia in postoperative period.