Coagulopathy in a subtype of choledochal cyst and management strategy.

AIM: To evaluated our management algorithm of the coagulopathy. We evaluated our management algorithm of the coagulopathy.
METHODS: Between October 2001 and January 2013, 160 CDC children with coagulopathy (fibrinogen, FIB < 2 g/L) were recruited. FIB ≥ 1 g/L is generally required for safe elective surgery. We used FIB level as an indicator when: (1) patients with FIB levels between 1-2 g/L underwent one-stage definitive operation; and (2) patients with FIB < 1 g/L underwent 3 d of medical treatment. Thereafter, those with FIB ≥ 1 g/L underwent one-stage definitive operation whereas those with FIB < 1 g/L underwent external biliary drainage to allow liver function improvement. Those patients with liver function improvements underwent definitive operation after 7 d of drainage.
RESULTS: After preoperative optimization, 92.5% of CDC children with coagulopathy underwent successful one-stage definitive operation. The remaining 7.5% of CDC children required initial external bile drainage, and underwent definitive operation 11 d after the admission. The mean operative time and postoperative recovery duration were comparable to those with normal coagulations. The median follow-up period was 57 mo. No blood transfusion or other postoperative complications were encountered.
CONCLUSION: Following our management protocol, the majority of CDC children with coagulopathy can be managed with one-stage definitive operation.