Pre Surgery

Preparing for Choledochal Cyst Surgery

Before you or your child undergoes surgery to treat choledochal cysts, it is essential to understand the different surgical options and the steps you can take to prepare for a successful procedure. In this section, we discuss the two main surgical approaches: laparoscopic excision and open excision of choledochal cysts.

Laparoscopic Excision of Choledochal Cyst

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that may be used to remove your child’s choledochal cyst. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include smaller scars, less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities. Before the surgery, you should:

1. Discuss with the surgeon the details of the procedure, possible complications, and the expected recovery timeline.
2. Ensure that your child follows any preoperative instructions provided by the healthcare team, such as fasting or adjusting medication schedules.
3. Arrange for transportation and any necessary postoperative care, as your child may need assistance during the initial recovery period.

Open Excision of Choledochal Cyst

In some cases, an open surgical approach may be necessary. This procedure involves a larger incision in the right upper abdomen. Similar to the laparoscopic approach, the surgeon will remove the cyst and reconstruct the biliary system using either the duodenum (hepaticoduodenostomy) or a section of the intestine called the jejunum (Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy). To prepare for an open excision, you should:

1. Discuss the procedure’s specifics, possible complications, and the expected recovery timeline with the surgeon.
2. Ensure that your child follows any preoperative instructions provided by the healthcare team.
3. Plan for transportation and any necessary postoperative care, as the recovery period may be longer than that for laparoscopic surgery.

By understanding the surgical options and preparing for the procedure, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your child. For more information and to read about success stories, visit our Success Stories page.