Interposed jejunal segment with nipple valve to prevent reflux in biliary reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Resection is the accepted management of a choledochal cyst. However, the debate continues regarding the optimal method of biliary reconstruction. The Roux-en-Y limb is used most frequently, but concerns have been raised about this method due to associated peptic ulcer disease, cholangitis, and poor growth. A method of reconstruction using an interposed segment of jejunum with a nipple valve placed between the common bile duct and the duodenum has been proposed.

STUDY DESIGN: We have reviewed a series of 12 children requiring biliary reconstruction for choledochal cyst (11 children) and biliary stricture (one child). All had reconstruction with a nipple valve, and ten had an interposed segment of jejunum.

RESULTS: All of the children are alive and have had follow-up evaluation from six months to 8.5 years (median of three years). Sequential examinations with ultrasound and biliary excretion scans have shown no evidence of obstruction, and liver function tests have remained normal. Three children have had cholangitis. One child had a brief episode in the perioperative period. The second child had cholangitis 16 months postoperatively, and the third child had multiple episodes of cholangitis. These latter two children were unique. One had Alonso-Lej type IV choledochal cyst with intrahepatic dilatation, which persisted after reconstruction. The other had a prior diversion with a Roux-en-Y limb from the gallbladder after resection of a choledochal cyst and had multiple episodes of cholangitis before reconstruction. These episodes are now controlled with chronic antibiotic suppression. Postoperative complications were limited to two episodes of obstruction of the small bowel requiring lysis of adhesions. No child has had peptic ulcer disease. These children have grown well after reconstruction, except for three with multiple anomalies or chronic pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS: Biliary reconstruction with a jejunal interposition containing a nipple valve can be performed safely with a low incidence of complications. It offers a more physiologic method of reconstruction and a low incidence of postoperative cholangitis.