About Choledochal Cyst
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment that eliminates the abnormal bile duct segment.Significantly reduces the long-term risk of developing bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma).Alleviates symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, and recurrent infections.Restores normal bile flow from the liver to the intestines.Can often be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques for potentially faster recovery.Prevents serious complications such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and stone formation./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of a choledochal cyst (Types I, IV, or V) via imaging (MRCP, CT, ultrasound).
- Recurrent episodes of cholangitis (bile duct infection) or pancreatitis.
- Presence of symptoms like persistent right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever.
- Development of complications such as bile duct stones, liver abscess, or biliary cirrhosis.
- Prophylactic surgery to prevent the known risk of malignant transformation to cholangiocarcinoma.
- Discovery of a cyst in childhood, as surgery is typically recommended even in asymptomatic cases to prevent future issues.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including blood tests (LFTs), ultrasound, and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to map the cyst anatomy.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery.
- Management of any active infection with antibiotics prior to surgery.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure as per hospital protocol.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
- Informed consent process after understanding all aspects of the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Bile leak from the surgical connection (anastomotic leak), which may require further intervention.
- Stricture (narrowing) of the new bile duct connection over time.
- Injury to nearby structures like blood vessels, the liver, or the pancreas.
- Post-operative intestinal obstruction or adhesions.
- Risk of recurrent cholangitis if drainage is not optimal.
- Potential need for conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery during the procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring the surgical connection is healing without leaks.
- Gradual advancement from liquids to a normal diet as bowel function returns.
- Pain at the incision site is managed with medications.
- Drainage tubes (if placed) are removed before discharge once output is minimal.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks to allow internal healing.
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor liver function and ensure proper biliary drainage.
- Long-term monitoring may be advised to check for any late complications like strictures.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering choledochal cyst in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for choledochal cyst in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform choledochal cyst. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for choledochal cyst compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Choledochal Cyst in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing choledochal cyst.
Diya Malhotra, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Diya Malhotra, a 28-year-old software engineer, had been experiencing intermittent, sharp right upper abdominal pain for over a year, often after meals. She initially dismissed it as indigestion or stress. The pain became more frequent and severe, accompanied by episodes of jaundice, turning her eyes and skin yellow. An ultrasound ordered by her GP revealed a dilated common bile duct. Referred to a surgical gastroenterologist, a subsequent MRCP confirmed a Type I Choledochal Cyst. The doctor explained the high lifetime risk of recurrent cholangitis, pancreatitis, and cancer within the cyst wall, strongly recommending complete surgical excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Diya was terrified of major surgery but understood the necessity. The laparoscopic procedure was successful. Her recovery in the hospital was challenging with initial pain and dietary adjustments, but she was diligent with her physiotherapy and follow-ups. Six months later, her energy has returned, the jaundice is gone, and the abdominal pain has completely resolved. Emotionally, she transitioned from prolonged anxiety and denial about her worsening symptoms to immense relief post-surgery. She now feels empowered, having taken control of her health, and is cautiously optimistic about the future.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Choledochal Cyst
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform choledochal cyst and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist