Management of accessory hepatic ducts in choledochal cysts.

This report describes the surgical management of 2 children with fusiform choledochal cysts who had accessory hepatic ducts (AHD) identified during excisional surgery for fusiform choledochal cysts (CC). Two children presenting with a triad of recurrent jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain were investigated and found to have type 1 choledochal cyst. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative cholangiography missed the AHD in both cases. In one of the patients, the main and the accessory ducts were separated by the right hepatic artery. In both the patients the accessory ducts were reconstructed successfully into a Roux loop along with the main common hepatic duct. Follow-up studies showed no evidence of biliary tract obstruction or atrophic changes in the liver. There was satisfactory uptake and drainage on hepatic scintigraphy. During excision of CC, AHD may be encountered. These may be missed on preoperative imaging. AHD may have a close relationship with neighboring vascular structures in the porta. Accessory hepatic ducts should be anticipated, identified, and reimplanted into the Roux loop during excisional surgery. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.