Abstract
BACKGROUND: The severity of liver fibrosis and optimal surgical timing in infants with prenatally diagnosed choledochal cysts (CDCs) remain contentious. This study aims to identify risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in prenatally diagnosed CDCs and guide optimal surgical timing. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study reviewed infants with prenatally diagnosed CDCs between January 2016 and January 2024. Liver fibrosis was staged (S0-S4) using the Batts-Ludwig system. Infants were categorized into mild/no fibrosis ( 327 U/L are significant risk factors, highlighting the need for close monitoring and timely surgical intervention.