Use of Barbed Suture During Minimally Invasive Resection of the Choledochal Cyst

Abstract

Introduction: Choledochal cysts are rare congenital anomalies of the bile ducts, characterized by dilations of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ducts. Approximately 80% are diagnosed in childhood, with a higher incidence in Asian countries.1 Imaging studies are essential for the diagnosis, including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography as the method of choice.2 Patients with types I, II, or IV cysts usually undergo surgical resection of the cysts because of the significant risk of malignancy. The treatment of choice of type I bile duct cysts in adults is total cystectomy and hepaticojejunostomy in a Roux-en-Y manner.2 The advantages of this procedure include a reduced incidence of anastomotic strictures, stone formation, cholangitis, and intracystic malignancy.2 This video shows the surgical steps, tips, and tricks of minimally invasive resection of the choledochal cyst and continuity with a bilioenteric anastomosis. Materials and Methods: A 48-year-old woman with previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy presented with a history of right subcostal pain and jaundice. After magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, a type I Todani choledochal cyst was diagnosed with a width of the proximal bile duct of 12 mm. She underwent minimally invasive resection of the bile duct and a terminolateral hepaticojejunostomy in a Roux-en-Y manner. Operatively, an 11 mm trocar was placed at the umbilicus. Three 5 mm trocars were placed in the epigastrium, right hypochondrium, and right flank. An 11 mm trocar was placed in the left flank. A type I choledochal cyst was confirmed with cystic duct dilation. The right hepatic artery, proximal bile duct, and portal vein were identified. The main bile duct was completely dissected, and two clips were placed in the intrapancreatic portion. The distal part of the bile duct was sectioned above the clips. The proximal bile duct was divided 1 cm from the hilar plate and the specimen was completely removed. The jejunal loop was identified and a terminolateral hepaticojejunal anastomosis was performed using barbed suture (V-locTM 4/0, Covidien). Then, a laterolateral jejunojejunal anastomosis was performed using a stapler. The common loop between the two anastomosis was sectioned with another stapler that completed the Roux-en-Y. Finally, a subhepatic suction drain was left. Results: The drain was removed 72 hours after the procedure and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without complications. The pathology report confirmed a choledochal cyst without malignancy. A follow-up was done at 1 and 6 months. The patient was asymptomatic and blood workup and cholangiography were normal. Conclusions: Different publications with high level of evidence document that minimally invasive surgical treatment on Todani I choledochal cysts reduces hospital stay and postoperative pain compared with an open approach.3 It is a demanding technique with a long learning curve that decreases with the use of barbed sutures without increasing complications. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 10 mins 0 secs