BACKGROUND: Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of biliary ducts, being either intra or extra-hepatic. It is uncommon, having an estimated incidence of 1:100.000 to 1:150.000 born alive in western countries. CASE REPORT: Thirty six-year-old female was attended with a history of jaundice, coluria and palpable mass in the right hemiabdomen for 15 days, denying fecal acholia, having fever and weight loss. During physical examination the patient presented jaundice and a painless palpable mass in the right hypochondrium, having an approximate diameter of 25 cm, without any other alterations. Laboratory exams demonstrated an increase in canicular, hapatocytic and bilirubin enzymes. CA 19-9, alfa-fetoprotein and CEA showed normal levels. Abdominal image exams revealed a cystic content mass in the choledochal and head of the pancreas. A choledochal cyst was revealed after laparotomy, being classified as type I, with regards to Todanis' classification. The gallbaldder was ressected jointly with the distal portion of the cyst. Biliodigestive anastomosis in Y of Roux was performed between the jejunum loop and distal portion of the cyst. Postoperative evolution was tardied by bleeding from anastomosis and the patient was reoperated to contain bleeding and further complications. CONCLUSION: Choledochal cysts are rare entities, having multiple aspects regarding there shape and form. Diagnosis is easily done using image methods. However its treatment is difficult, sometimes being of great magnitude, therefore requiring individual treatment.
Common bile duct; Choledochal cyst
