Conventional and unconventional surgical modalities for choledochal cyst: long-term follow-up

Background This study presents our experience of various modes of presentation, surgical methods applied (both conventional and unconventional), and their outcome on patients with choledochal cyst. Method This is a retrospective study in which files of all patients with choledochal cyst over a period of 10 years (1997–2007) were studied. Data collected from files included age, sex, modes of presentation, various surgical techniques, outcome, and follow-up. Results The total number of patients was 35. The most common mode of presentation was recurrent abdominal pain in 20 (57%) patients. It was followed by jaundice in 16 (45%) patients, fever, nausea, and vomiting in 10 (28.5%) patients, and other symptoms. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 26 (74%) patients, hepaticoduodenostomy in five (14%) patients, external T-tube drainage in three (8%) patients, and cystoduodenostomy in two (5%) patients. Two patients expired in this series. The follow-up loss was 20%. Three patients who suffered from cholangitis were managed conservatively. No patient has shown cirrhosis and cholangiocarcinoma till now. Conclusion Choledochal cyst is an important entity in an Indian setup. The presentation has a wide spectrum; therefore, different types of surgical intervention would play a significant role in various situations.Keywords: choledochal cyst, follow-up of choledochal cyst, surgical technique

Congenital anomalies of the male urethra

The spectrum of congenital anomalies of the male urethra is presented. The embryologic basis of each anomaly, when known, is discussed. Clinical and imaging features of each entity are presented

Use of the computed tomographic scan in Japanese encephalitis

Fourteen children with laboratory-confirmed Japanese encephalitis were given cranial computed tomographic (CT) scans six to 30 days after the onset of illness. The findings were variable; there was a generalized decrease in attenuation values, three patients showed features of cerebral atrophy, and four others had normal scans. The findings appeared to relate to both the severity and the stage of the illness at the time the scans were made. CT would appear to be of little use in making a specific diagnosis of Japanese encephalitis