[Mechanical jaundice prolonged for a period of 2 years, found in a 4-year-old child].

The case of a child is presented, aged 4.5 years, in whom, following a simple enterocolitis that had not been treated, developed jaundice. This was considered and treated for over two years as being either a viral or a chronic hepatitis. The hepatic functions were severely altered and the physical development of the child was considerably retarded. Surgical intervention revealed the presence of pericystic adenopaty and involvement of peri-choledocal lymphatic tissue, associated to dilatation of the external biliary pathways which were filled with calculi and biliary mud. Following the removal of the obstacles inside and outside the choledocus and the cystic canal recovery occurred in a three weeks period. The liver recovered its normal size, and the functions of the liver were completely recuperated.