American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is the recommended treatment for Caroli's disease?

1. Excise cyst

2. Transduodenal excision of cyst

3. Liver resection or liver transplant

4. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy

The correct answer is: Liver resection or liver transplant

Caroli's disease is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts, which can lead to complications such as cholangitis, liver fibrosis, and potentially liver failure. The recommended treatment for Caroli's disease largely depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of associated complications. Liver resection or liver transplant is often considered the most effective treatment option, particularly in cases where there is significant liver dysfunction or extensive complications from the disease. Resection can help eliminate areas of the liver that are affected by the disease, thereby reducing the risk of complications. In cases where the disease has progressed too far or where there is significant liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary to restore normal function. Other treatment options may be available, such as excising cysts or performing a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, but these methods generally do not address the broader implications of Caroli's disease, especially in advanced cases. The effectiveness of these surgeries is limited when compared to liver transplantation or resection, which is why they are not typically recommended as first-line treatments. In summary, the choice of liver resection or transplant as the recommended treatment for Caroli's disease reflects the need for intervention