Ms. Thanh's ultrasound results revealed a choledochal cyst dilated to 4 cm, significantly larger than the normal size of 0,4-0,6 cm. An MRI further confirmed a spindle-shaped dilation of the left hepatic duct in the upper one-half of the common bile duct.

To address this, Doctor Do Minh Hung, Director of the Center for Endoscopy and Endoscopic Digestive Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, opted for robotic endoscopic surgery. This advanced procedure aimed to remove the choledochal cyst and prevent complications such as inflammation or bile duct obstruction. During the operation, the cyst and gallbladder were removed, and the bile duct was reconstructed using a segment of the small intestine to ensure proper bile flow.

A robotic arm assists Doctor Hung in surgery for Ms. Thanh. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

The common bile duct is situated near critical structures: the portal vein, a large blood vessel, and the hepatic artery. This proximity necessitates meticulous dissection to avoid massive bleeding and damage to surrounding blood vessels and organs. The flexibility and precision of the robotic arm allowed Doctor Hung to accurately dissect the narrow areas around the duodenum, pancreas, and blood vessels, minimizing risks.

Following the surgery, Ms. Thanh's health stabilized, and she recovered well. Her incisions were small and dry. She was discharged after 5 days without complications.

Doctors examine Ms. Thanh after surgery. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

A choledochal cyst is a condition characterized by the dilation of extrahepatic or intrahepatic bile ducts into a spindle or spherical shape. While the liver normally produces bile for food digestion, the presence of a cyst can inflame the bile duct, causing bile to reflux into the liver.

According to Doctor Hung, choledochal cysts are more common in children than adults. When a cyst develops during childhood, patients may live without symptoms for many years until complications arise. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, jaundice, and sometimes a palpable mass in the right upper abdomen. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention for choledochal cysts are crucial, even in asymptomatic cases, to prevent future complications. Without surgery, stagnant bile can foster bacterial growth, leading to infection, cholangitis, gallstone formation, and impaired liver function.

Quyen Phan