Pancreaticoduodenectomy for choledochal cyst.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Choledochal cyst (CDC) is a rare congenital cystic dilatation of the biliary system that can affect children and adults. Standard treatment for CDC includes surgical excision of the cystic bile duct with restoration of bilioenteric continuity by Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. In rare situations, however, surgical excision of a CDC may require pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The goal of this study was to identify instances where a PD may be deemed necessary. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients treated for CDC at our institution from January 1988 through December 2011. From this cohort, patients who underwent PD were reviewed in detail. Data on preoperative parameters, operative details, cyst type, pathologic diagnosis, and postoperative course were collected. RESULTS: During the 24-year period, 59 patients with CDC were identified and four (7%) underwent formal PD. Final pathology revealed that none of the resected specimens harbored malignancy and all patients are well at follow-up. CONCLUSION: While the standard surgical care for CDC remains complete cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, there may be particular instances where PD appears more appropriate. While the need for PD in cases of CDC is rare, it is important to consider this possibility when contemplating surgery for CDC.

Preoperative mechanical bowel preparation does not offer a benefit for patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical bowel preparations (MBPs) are commonly administered preoperatively to patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD); however, their effectiveness over a clear liquid diet (CLD) preparation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether MBP offers an advantage to patients who undergo PD. METHODS: In this retrospective review, we analyzed the clinical data from 100 consecutive PDs performed on patients who received preoperative MBP from March 2006 to April 2007, and we compared them with 100 consecutive patients who received a preoperative CLD from May 2007 to March 2008. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the MBP and CLD groups in the rates of pancreatic fistula (13% vs 14%; P = 1.0), intra-abdominal abscess (11% vs 13%; P = .83), or wound infection (9% vs 8%; P = 1.0). Trends toward increased urinary tract infections (13% vs 5%; P < .08) and Clostridium difficile infections were found in the MBP group (6% vs 1%; P = .12). The median duration of postoperative hospital stay was 7 days in each group, and the 12-month survival rates were equivalent (74% vs 75%; P = 1.0). CONCLUSION: There is no clinical benefit to the administration of a preoperative MBP for patients undergoing PD.