Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (904 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A congenital anatomic malformation of a bile duct, including cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct or the large intrahepatic bile duct. Classification is based on the site and type of dilatation. Type I is most common.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Choledochal Cysts; Cyst, Choledochal; Choledochocele; Choledochoceles; Congenital Choledochal Cyst; Choledochal Cyst, Congenital; Congenital Choledochal Cysts; Cyst, Congenital Choledochal.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Cysts; Bile Duct Diseases; Digestive System Abnormalities
- Narrower topics
- Caroli Disease
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 2,425 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Choledochal Cyst” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 408 of them (16.8%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 702 records.
Reviews account for 333 records (13.7%) and meta-analyses for 16. Randomized controlled trials number 3 (0.1%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 702 |
| 2000-2009 | 676 |
| 2010-2019 | 639 |
| 2020 onward | 408 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 333 | 13.7% |
| Meta-analyses | 16 | 0.7% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 3 | 0.1% |
Method: PubMed query "Choledochal Cyst"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in rare and inherited diseases
Rare conditions are difficult to study: few patients means small studies, case reports and registries are common, and randomized trials are the exception. Small samples limit precision and can exaggerate effects, and cases reported in the literature may be the most severe or unusual. Evidence from many small studies is best read together. Check how patients were identified, how many were included and how long they were followed.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Evaluation of the learning curve of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in children: CUSUM analysis of a single surgeon's experience [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionLaparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is gaining popularity as a treatment for choledochal cyst (CDC) in children.
- Closing excerpt
- The learning curve can be used as the basis for performance guiding the training.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (255 words)
IntroductionLaparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is gaining popularity as a treatment for choledochal cyst (CDC) in children. However, the learning curve for this challenging laparoscopic procedure has not been addressed. The aim of this study is to determine the characteristics of the learning curve of this procedure. This may guide the training in institutions currently not using this technique.MethodsA prospectively collected database comprising all medical records of the first 104 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic CDC excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy performed by one surgeon was studied. Multifactorial linear/logistic regression analysis was performed to identify patient-, surgeon-, and procedure-related factors associated with operating times, rates of adverse event, and length of postoperative stay.ResultsCumulative sum analysis demonstrated a learning curve for laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision of 37 cases. Comparing the early with the late experiences (37 vs. 67 cases), the surgeon-specific outcomes significantly improved in terms of operating times (352 vs. 240 min; P middle 1.25, 95 % CI 1.08-1.45; ORhigh 1.40, 95 % CI 1.20-1.62; compared with the low score); significant predictors of perioperative adverse outcomes were CLC (OR 0.07, 95 % CI 0.02-0.34) and comorbidities prior to the surgery (OR 30.65, 95 % CI 1.71-549.63). The independent predictors of length of postoperative stay included CLC, preoperative comorbidities, and perioperative adverse events.ConclusionsCLC for laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision is 37 cases. After CLC, not only the operative time is reduced, the complications, adverse results, and the length of hospital stay all decreased significantly. The learning curve can be used as the basis for performance guiding the training.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 27338584 · DOI · PMC5266761
Comparison of efficacy and safety of laparoscopic excision and open operation in children with choledochal cysts: A systematic review and update meta-analysis [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveThe outcomes of children with Choledochal cyst who undergo laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy versus open cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy have not been adequately compared.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsLaparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy provides similar or even improved intraoperative, postoperative outcomes when compared to open excision for children with Choledochal cyst.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (210 words)
ObjectiveThe outcomes of children with Choledochal cyst who undergo laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy versus open cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy have not been adequately compared. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to gain further insight into the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic excision in children with choledochal cysts.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from January 1973 to January 31, 2020 was performed utilizing the PRISMA guidelines. Short-term, long-term and total postoperative complications were the primary endpoint measurements, whereas intraoperative outcomes and other postoperative outcomes were the secondary endpoints.ResultsThe final analysis included 14 retrospective cohorts comprising 1767 patients. There were no significant differences in the patients' short-term postoperative complications (RR = -1.08; 95% CI = -1.72 to -0.67) between the 2 approaches. However, improvements in long-term (RR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.18) and total postoperative complications (RR = -0.29; 95% CI = -0.40 to -0.21), estimated intraoperative blood loss and transfusion, time of initial feeding, and length of hospital stay were observed in patients who underwent laparoscopic excision when compared to those who underwent open surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy provides similar or even improved intraoperative, postoperative outcomes when compared to open excision for children with Choledochal cyst.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32986787 · DOI · PMC7521726
Early complications after laparoscopic resection of choledochal cyst [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- PurposeTo investigate the causes and treatments of early complications involving laparoscopic radical resection of choledochal cyst and summarize the experience.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionEarly complications of laparoscopic radical resection of choledochal cyst can be minimized by properly managing preoperative indications and contraindications, carefully interpreting the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography results and accumulating experience by the surgeons.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (218 words)
PurposeTo investigate the causes and treatments of early complications involving laparoscopic radical resection of choledochal cyst and summarize the experience.MethodsChildren with choledochal cyst treated by laparoscopy in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, and Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, from March 2016 to May 2018, were retrospectively analysed. Demographics, causes and treatments of early complications, liver function analysis and ultrasonography were collected.ResultsIn total, 231 cases were included; 204 were Type I (156 Type Ia and 46 Type Ic) and 27 were Type IV. No mortality was observed, and 224 cases were successfully laparoscopically operated, while 7 cases were converted to open surgery. Fifteen cases of postoperative developed biliary fistula. There were jejunal Roux loop obstruction in 2 cases and multiple intussusception, anastomotic stenosis after hepaticojejunostomy, residual of choledochal cyst and pancreatic fistula in one each. Patients were followed up ranging from 4 months to 48 months (12.6 ± 0.3 months on average). Postoperative ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL and DBIL all returned to normal during this time. Ultrasonography indicated 5 cases of widened Glisson's sheath and 1 case of intrahepatic hyperdense shadow.ConclusionEarly complications of laparoscopic radical resection of choledochal cyst can be minimized by properly managing preoperative indications and contraindications, carefully interpreting the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography results and accumulating experience by the surgeons.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31134322 · DOI · PMC6606762
Comparison of laparoscopic and robotic surgery of choledochal cyst in pediatrics: single center experience [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundRecently, laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures have become increasingly common for treating pediatric choledochal cysts.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionRobot-assisted surgery is a feasible and effective method for treating pediatric choledochal cysts, and its surgical outcomes are comparable with those of laparoscopic procedures.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (221 words)
BackgroundRecently, laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures have become increasingly common for treating pediatric choledochal cysts. This retrospective study aims to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of these procedures in pediatric choledochal cyst cases.MethodsBetween April 2017 and September 2023, 60 patients were enrolled in this study; laparoscopic procedures were applied in 45 patients, and robot-assisted procedures in 15. We collected clinical data, including all patients' demographic information, the cyst's type and size, and clinical outcomes through a review of medical records. We also conducted a satisfaction survey using validated questionnaires (Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index) and additional supplementary questions.ResultsFor the anastomosis site size (mm), the laparoscopy group (9.38, [5.09;11.55]) showed larger sizes than the robot-assisted group (7.26, [3.68;8.69]) (p = 0.0381). Hospitalization days (d) were longer for the laparoscopy group (14.64, [9;16]) compared to the robot-assisted group (11.13, [8;12]) (p = 0.0224). Although the complications were not statistically significant, the robot-assisted group had no complications. In contrast, the laparoscopy group reported 2 cases of pancreatitis, 1 case of A-loop syndrome, 1 case of chyle ascites, and 1 case of wound complication. A total of 17 patients responded to the satisfaction survey (28% response rate).ConclusionRobot-assisted surgery is a feasible and effective method for treating pediatric choledochal cysts, and its surgical outcomes are comparable with those of laparoscopic procedures.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41131377 · DOI · PMC12823707
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Choledochal cysts: presentation, clinical differentiation, and management [5]
- Research article Choledochal cysts: part 1 of 3: classification and pathogenesis [6]
- Research article Bile duct cysts in adults [7]
- Research article Japanese clinical practice guidelines for congenital biliary dilatation [8]
- Research article Choledochal cyst [9]
- Research article Meta-analysis of risk of developing malignancy in congenital choledochal malformation [10]
References
- Wen Z, Liang H, Liang J, Liang Q, Xia H. Evaluation of the learning curve of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in children: CUSUM analysis of a single surgeon's experience. . 2017. PMID 27338584 · DOI · PMC5266761
- Sun R, Zhao N, Zhao K, Su Z, Zhang Y, Diao M, et al.. Comparison of efficacy and safety of laparoscopic excision and open operation in children with choledochal cysts: A systematic review and update meta-analysis. . 2020. PMID 32986787 · DOI · PMC7521726
- Zhang B, Wu D, Fang Y, Bai J, Huang W, Liu M, et al.. Early complications after laparoscopic resection of choledochal cyst. . 2019. PMID 31134322 · DOI · PMC6606762
- Jang J, Ko D, Youn JK, Yang HB, Kim HY. Comparison of laparoscopic and robotic surgery of choledochal cyst in pediatrics: single center experience. . 2026. PMID 41131377 · DOI · PMC12823707
- Soares KC, Arnaoutakis DJ, Kamel I, Rastegar N, Anders R, Maithel S, et al.. Choledochal cysts: presentation, clinical differentiation, and management. J Am Coll Surg. 2014. PMID 25442379 · DOI · PMC4332770
- Singham J, Yoshida EM, Scudamore CH. Choledochal cysts: part 1 of 3: classification and pathogenesis. Can J Surg. 2009. PMID 19865581 · PMC2769090
- Söreide K, Körner H, Havnen J, Söreide JA. Bile duct cysts in adults. Br J Surg. 2004. PMID 15549778 · DOI
- Ishibashi H, Shimada M, Kamisawa T, Fujii H, Hamada Y, Kubota M, et al.. Japanese clinical practice guidelines for congenital biliary dilatation. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci. 2017. PMID 28111910 · DOI
- O'Neill JA. Choledochal cyst. Curr Probl Surg. 1992. PMID 1582241 · DOI
- Ten Hove A, de Meijer VE, Hulscher JBF, de Kleine RHJ. Meta-analysis of risk of developing malignancy in congenital choledochal malformation. Br J Surg. 2018. PMID 29480528 · DOI · PMC5900735
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
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Evidence strength
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