MedicineNet.com

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2012

Choledochal Cysts (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

How are choledochal cysts diagnosed?

Choledochal cysts can be diagnosed in several ways. The most common is by ultrasonography.

The second most common way is by cholangiography, that is, the filling of the bile ducts with dye followed by x-ray imaging. The dye may be injected by a long needle directly into the bile ducts by advancing the needle through the skin and liver into the ducts or with an endoscopically-placed catheter from the duodenum through the Papilla of Vater (the point at which the bile duct enters the small intestine, also known as the Ampulla of Vater).

The most recent technique for identifying choledochal cysts is magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI.

How are choledochal cysts treated?

The best way of treating choledochal cysts is to surgically remove them and reconstruct the bile ducts that were affected. The cyst should be completely removed whenever possible. If the ducts cannot be reconstructed, they should be sewn to the intestine so that bile can drain freely out of the ducts.


Last Editorial Review: 10/13/2008



MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Choledochal Cysts by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Gallstones
      • Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause symptoms.
    • Cirrhosis (Liver)
      • Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral hepatitis B and C. This disease leads to abnormalities in the liver's ability to handle toxins and blood flow, causing internal bleeding, kidney failure, mental confusion, coma, body fluid accumulation, and frequent infections. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin, itching, and fatigue.
    • Pancreatitis
      • Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, occurring when digestive enzymes are activated and begin attacking the pancreas causing damage to the gland. There are two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic. Most commonly caused by alcohol or gallstones, it can lead to bleeding in the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts. Enzymes and toxins may then enter the bloodstream and seriously injure organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidney.
    • Jaundice
      • Jaundice is a yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclerae) with bilirubin, the pigment found in bile. Jaundice can be an indicator of liver or gallbladder disease, or it may result from the rupture of red blood cells (hemolysis).
    • Portal Hypertension
      • Portal hypertension is most commonly caused by cirrhosis, a disease in which results from scarring of a liver injury. Other causes of portal hypertension include blood clots in the portal vein, blockages of the veins that carry the blood from teh liver to the heart, and a parasitic infection called schistosomiasis.
    • Birth Defects
      • Birth defects have many causes and currently, are the leading cause of death for infants in the first year of life. Some of the causes of birth defects include genetic or chromosome problems. Exposure of the mother to rubella or German measles during pregnancy, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. The treatment for birth defects depends upon the condition of the effected child.
    • Children's Health
      • Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health and community health.
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain









Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies