Tulane Liver & Pancreas Center ~ Bile Duct Cysts

 

Causes

The cause of choledochal cysts, commonly called bile duct cysts, are undetermined but are considered to be congenital, representing a developmental abnormality of the bile ducts.

Symptoms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Episodes of jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Cholangitis
  • Pancreatitis
Diagnosis
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Cholangiography (ERCP)
  • MRI
  • CT Scan
Treatment

Surgery to remove the cyst and reconstruct the bile duct is the recommended treatment for choledochal cysts.