Research Article: Management of multiple common bile duct stones via laparoscopic transcholedochal exploration: an observational study
Abstract:
The study is an attempt to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in patients with multiple common bile duct (CBD) stones.
A prospective observational study was conducted over 1 year (2017–2018). Patients with gallbladder in situ , bile duct stones (>1), and a dilated duct (>7?mm) were included. CBS stones and duct size were confirmed by ultrasound, computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration (transcholedochal) were performed using a four-port technique. Patients were evaluated through regular follow-up for 6 months and required information was collected. The primary outcome was stone clearance rate. The secondary outcomes were operative time, postoperative complications, open conversion, and length of hospital stay.
A total of 31 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 44.03?±?13.91 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.87:1. The mean number of CBD stones was 4.62?±?1.91. LCBDE was technically successful in 27 patients (87.09%), while 4 (12.9%) required open conversion. The failure rate of on-table choledochoscopy for complete stone clearance was 6.4%. The mean operative time in the successful laparoscopic group was 110.96?±?20.15?min. No intraoperative complications were encountered. A T-tube was placed in 23 patients (74.19%), while 7 (22.58%) underwent primary closure of the CBD. One patient required Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for concomitant hepatolithiasis. Five patients (16.1%) developed postoperative complications (4 minor and 1 major). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.09?±?1.10 days. On follow-up, there was no evidence of retained/residual stone. There was no postoperative (30 and 90 days) mortality. The stone clearance rate was 100%.
The study showed that transcholedochal LCBDE is a safe procedure in terms of stone clearance rates, with acceptable perioperative complications and conversion rates for multiple CBD stones.
Introduction:
The incidence of choledocholithiasis ranges from 9% to 16% in patients with cholelithiasis ( 1 ). Its incidence increases to over 80% in people over 90 years of age ( 2 ). It is the second most frequent complication of common bile duct (CBD) disease ( 3 ). There are numerous ways of dealing with CBD stones: (a) wait and watch for spontaneous passage of small stones; (b) open CBD exploration; (c) endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with sphincterotomy and stone extraction; and (d) transcystic or transcholedochal…
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