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Role of laparoscopy in treatment of choledochal cysts in children

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Abstract

Laparoscopy enables surgeons to approach the surgical conditions from a new perspective. Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the treatment of choledochal cysts (CDC). Yet, this new technique requires objective evaluations. We have examined the controversies about the CDC dissection, distal common bile duct ligation, ductoplasty for hepatic duct stenosis, intrahepatic duct and common channel protein plug clearance, timing of surgery for antenatally diagnosed CDC, and the Roux loop length in CDC children. In the hands of experts, laparoscopic excision of the cyst and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a safe and effective approach. We provide our opinions on these issues based on our experience and publications. We conclude that the main outcomes comparable to those of the open surgery. The better wound cosmesis and reduction of surgical trauma are the advantages.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Prof. KH Tam, Prof. CK Yeung, Prof. T. Miyano, and Prof. A Yamataka for their dedications to the development of pediatric laparoscopic surgery in China.

Conflict of interest

Dr. Mei Diao, Prof. Long Li, and Prof. Wei Cheng have no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Mei Diao & Long Li

  2. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Monash Children’s, Southern Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    Wei Cheng

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  1. Mei Diao
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  2. Long Li
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  3. Wei Cheng
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Correspondence to Long Li or Wei Cheng.

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Diao, M., Li, L. & Cheng, W. Role of laparoscopy in treatment of choledochal cysts in children. Pediatr Surg Int 29, 317–326 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-013-3266-z

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