Postoperative T-tube tract choledochoscopy.

One hundred twenty-six patients underwent postoperative fiberoptic T-tube tract choledochoscopy for the management of retained biliary calculi as demonstrated by T-tube cholangiography. Extraction was successful in 94% of patients with retained stones. Thirty-nine patients had more than 1 stone, 20 patients had heptic duct stones, and 14 patients had large stones requiring electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser fragmentation. Stone removal was not possible in six patients, secondary to either slippage of the T-tube with obliteration of the tract, inability to remove the stones with available instruments, a tortuous tract, or choledochoscope malfunction. Minor complications, most commonly transient fever, occurred in 12 patients. No serious complications or deaths occurred. The advantages of T-tube tract choledochoscopy include direct visualization of the biliary tree, avoidance of radiation exposure, and easy access to hepatic duct stones. This is the preferred method for treating retained biliary calculi in patients with a T-tube in situ.     

Percutaneous video choledochoscopic treatment of retained biliary stones via dilated T-tube tract

Background: Retained biliary stones is a common clinical problem in patients after surgery for complicated gallstone disease. When postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy are unsuccessful, several percutaneous procedures for stone removal can be applied as alternatives to relaparotomy. These procedures are performed either under fluoroscopic control or with the use of choledochoscopy, but it is also possible to combine these methods. Methods: Since 1994, we have used the percutaneous video choledochoscopic technique for the removal of difficult retained biliary stones via dilated T-tube tract in 17 patients, applying the technique of percutaneous stone extraction used in urology. While waiting for the T-tube tract to mature and after the removal of the T-tube, the dilatation of its tract was 26--30 Fr. Stone removal was carried out using a flexible video choledochoscope and a rigid renoscope under fluoroscopic control, with the aid of Dormia baskets, rigid forceps, and high-pressure irrigation. Results: We performed 23 operative procedures, and the clearance of the biliary ducts was successful in all cases. There were no major complications or deaths. Conclusion: Percutaneous video choledochoscopic--assisted removal of large retained biliary stones via the T-tube tract is a highly effective and safe procedure. Its advantages over other procedures include the ability to visualize the stones and noncalculous filling defects; it also guarantees that the stones can be removed under visual video endoscopic control. It has no problems related to tract or stone size. apd: 21 December 2000     

胆道镜治疗术后肝内胆管结石并狭窄13年经验总结：附697例报告

目的:总结胆道镜治疗术后肝内胆管结石并狭窄的经验,提高肝内胆管结石并狭窄的治疗效果。方法:回顾2000年1月—2012年12月应用胆道镜经T管窦道治疗术后肝内胆管结石并狭窄的697例患者临床资料,分析技术要点,评价疗效。结果:672例患者取净结石,结石取净率96.4%。胆道镜共发现1 306支肝内胆管狭窄,其中1 297支狭窄得到解除,狭窄解除率99.3%。狭窄解除、结石取净后患者胆管壁恢复光滑。9例患者出现严重并发症,均经治疗后痊愈。结论:规范的胆道镜治疗能有效解除术后肝内胆管狭窄,取净结石;肝内胆管狭窄的发现及处理是胆道镜治疗的优势,应根据不同狭窄类型分别对待;萎缩肝段切除和术中取石在肝内胆管结石治疗中仍具有重要作用。     

术后胆道镜取石1226例体会

目的探讨经T管窦道胆道镜取石的方法及技巧,评价胆道镜在肝内外胆管结石治疗中的价值。方法回顾分析我院1990年3月至2011年9月术后胆道镜取石1226例,结石取净后常规行T管造影。结果共取石2685次,平均2.2次,取石最多次数者为12次。取净1182例,取净率96.4%。除1例为了重新放置T管而扩张窦道时引起出血、2例取石过程中引起窦道破裂外,未发生其它严重并发症。结论术后胆道镜取石,作为胆道结石特别是肝胆管结石治疗环节中不可或缺的一环,在胆道结石治疗中扮演着十分重要的角色。     

胆道镜联合钬激光经T管窦道治疗肝内外胆管残余结石

目的:探讨胆道镜联合钬激光经T管窦道碎石治疗肝内、外胆管残余结石的临床价值和安全性。方法:回顾性分析2010年2月—2011年6月经术后T管窦道置入胆道镜联合钬激光碎石治疗300例肝内、外胆管残余结石患者的临床资料。结果:292例经胆道镜下钬激光碎石治疗结石全部取净,碎石时间4~12 min,碎石次数1~5次,13例经5次碎石;8例患者结石位于III,IV级肝管碎石未成功,带管2个月后经等离子体冲击波碎石,6例患者成功取出结石,2例患者结石未取出。碎石总数568枚,结石排净率97.3%(292/300)。术中无胆道大出血、穿孔、胆管壁灼伤、胆瘘等严重并发症发生;15例术后出现低热。268例随访6~18个月,平均10个月,未发现结石复发及残留,无胆道狭窄。结论:胆道镜联合钬激光碎石可显著提高肝内、外胆管残余结石的治疗效果,是一种简便、安全、有效的方法,值得临床应用推广。     

Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) for the treatment of large retained common duct stones

Retained biliary stones may be too large for extraction through the existing T-tube tract. It may be necessary to dilate the tract, crush the stones or use endoscopic papillotomy. There are reports of stones and the extracting basket becoming stuck in the T-tube tract and tract ruptures caused by extracting large stones. In this study electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) is used in combination with T-tube tract choledochoscopy for the fragmentation of large stones prior to basket extraction. T-tube choledochoscopy was performed under IV sedation and sterile conditions no sooner than one month following common bile duct exploration. The Olympus 4.9-mm choledochoscope was passed through the T-tube tract to visualize the stone. A #5 Fr EHL probe was passed through the endoscope and advanced to within 1 mm of the surface of the stone. EHL discharge was started at a low energy level being increased until the spark discharges caused stone fragmentation. The resultant stone fragments were basket extracted under direct vision. The procedure was used in twelve patients with removal of all stones in eleven patients. Eight patients were treated with one endoscopic session. Because of multiple stones, two patients required two sessions and one patient four sessions. In one patient stone position prevented adequate fragmentation and endoscopic papillotomy also failed. Repeat choledochoscopy and EHL were successful. There were no complications of EHL or choledochoscopy in any of the patients. EHL was both effective and safe for fragmentation of large common duct stones when performed under direct vision using a choledochoscope.     

胆道镜经T管窦道取石网篮嵌顿12例分析

目的探讨胆道镜经T管窦道取石术中取石网篮嵌顿的原因和对策。 方法回顾性分析湖南省人民医院2017年1月至2019年12月胆道术后经T管窦道取石术中取石网篮嵌顿12例患者资料,统计嵌顿部位结石胆管内径比、结石性质、处理方式、处理结局。 结果12例术中取石网篮嵌顿患者术前T管造影片测量结石直径/胆管狭窄口直径均>1.2 cm,嵌顿结石均为胆色素结石。其中3例通过取石网篮往一侧推进后收网成功、3例使用另外胆道镜进行碎石后取出、6例剪断取石网篮后碎石取出。所有患者均取出取石网篮,其中5例胆道出血,均使用去甲肾上腺素盐水冲洗后止血。 结论需重视胆道镜经T管窦道取石网篮嵌顿,术前T管造影结石胆管内径比可以预测嵌顿可能,碎石有利于避免因强行拔出导致出血,保障手术安全。     

纤维胆道镜临床应用686例分析

目的探讨纤维胆道镜临床应用的价值和经验。方法回顾性分析686例纤维胆道镜临床应用的临床资料。结果术中胆道镜可明显降低胆道残石率（肝内及肝内外胆管结石χ^2=76.21,P〈0.005;肝外胆管结石χ^2=20.24,P〈0.005）;术后胆道镜取石是安全有效的;胆道镜还可以进行探查、诊断和治疗胆道其它病变;对于腹壁窦道及泌尿外科腔内疾病也能起探查及治疗的作用。结论纤维胆道镜特别适用于体内各种自然或疾病所致的复杂小管道的探查、诊断及治疗。     

Choledochoscopy in common bile duct surgery for choledocholithiasis: A must: Eight years experience in 441 consecutive patients

Between 1975 and 1983, 441 choledochoscopy were performed in a series of 451 consecutive patients undergoing surgical common biliary duct exploration for choledocholithiasis. In 127 patients (27.8%), no stones were found. Forty-five cases (10%) of choledocholithiasis missed by surgical and radiologic exploration methods were found by choledochoscopy. Therefore the retained stone rate decreased from 10 per cent to 2 per cent. Fourteen patients (3%) died at surgery, ten of whom (2%) were over 70. Postoperative biliary tract was drained in 98 patients (8%) using external drainage. Biliary tract patency was checked on the tenth postoperative day by the tube cholangiography. When retained stones were not found, T-tube was removed on the 20th day after surgery. When retained stones were found (11 patients, 2%) an endoscopic papillotomy was performed. Choledochoscopy is a significant addition in biliary surgery. It reduces operative mortality and morbidity, decreases retained stone rate, diminishes indications for biliary anastomosis and sphincterotomy, and is easy to perform without specific training. Its extensive and systematic use is advocated when- ever common bile duct patency has to be surgically demonstrated in choledocholithiasis.     

Postoperative fiberoptic choledochoscopy.

Twenty-eight patients underwent fiberoptic T-tube tract choledochoscopy for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of filling defects seen on postoperative T-tube cholangiograms. In 22 patients, 59 retained stones were treated by extraction. In six other patients with diagnostic problems arising from cholangiogram defects, the diagnosis was made by direct vision and biopsy specimen examination. There were multiple papillary adenocarcinomas in one patient, and normal mucosal folds in two patients. The procedure was accompanied by a low complication rate, with two patients developing pancreatitis and five patients developing transient fever. The advantages of the procedure are a direct examination of the biliary tree with the facility to remove stones and biopsy lesions under direct vision.     

Experience with the Flexible Fiberoptic Choledochoscope

Despite significant effort on the part of surgeons, the incidence of retained calculi after common duct exploration still remains unacceptably high. It seems likely that the best way to reduce the incidence of retained calculi would be a more complete exploration of the common duct at the time of the initial operation. We report our experience with a flexible fiber optic endoscope used intraoperatively in 52 patients and postoperatively in one case to visualize the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. In addition to visualization of stones, the choledochoscope has a channel through which various instruments can be passed to facilitate stone removal. Flexible choledochoscopy has been performed 53 times in 52 patients between July 1978 and November 1980. In one patient, the choledochoscope was used to explore the bile ducts via the T-tube tract after operation. In 52 patients, the scope was used intraoperatively: a) two patients demonstrated bile duct tumors, b) in 14, stones were not found on exploration. Of these, one had stenosis at the papilla of Vater and one had external compression of the duct by a pancreatic pseudocyst. All of these findings were confirmed by choledochoscopy, c) in 26 patients choledochoscopy confirmed complete surgical removal of all stones, d) in six patients, multiple stones were removed using routine common duct exploration but additional stones were seen with the choledochoscope, e) in three patients no stones were retrieved on routine duct exploration but were seen using the choledochoscope. In groups (d) and (e) the scope facilitated removal of the remaining stones. In eight cases stones were either grasped or crushed using the accessories of the choledochoscope. In one patient calculi were missed both by routine surgical exploration and choledochoscopy. No septic complications were seen in any of these patients.     

Experience with percutaneous transhepatic fiberoptic choledochoscopy for retained stones in the biliary tract

Summary Residual choledochal stones in 11 patients and stones in the intrahepatic bile ducts in 5 patients were successfully removed by the use of the fiberoptic choledochoscope (FCH-6T), introduced percutaneously into the intrahepatic biliary tract. The reasons for the use of percutaneous transhepatic extraction were: (1) unsuccessful endoscopic papillotomy; (2) unsuccessful choledochoscopic removal via the T-tube tract; (3) high surgical risk; (4) the presence of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for acute cholangitis and acute pancreatitis. All stones were extracted through the liver or the papilla of Vater after crushing them. All minor complications such as pain, vomiting, or fever resolved without further therapy. Percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy proved safe and effective for the removal of retained choledochal stones and was essential for the treatment of stones in the intrahepatic bile ducts.     

Radiological treatment of retained bile duct stones following recent surgery using glucagons

BACKGROUND: Retained common bile duct (CBD) stones pose an occasional problem following ductal exploration, in spite of completion cholangiography or choledochoscopy. We present a method for treating retained stones in the Radiology Department by biliary lavage via a transcystic tube (TCT) or a T-tube, after intravenous administration of glucagon. METHODS: A TCT or T-tube is inserted following CBD exploration for multiple intrahepatic stones or when stones are fragmented to facilitate removal or flushing into the duodenum. A tube cholangiogram is performed on the 1st postoperative day. If any retained stones are encountered, 1 mg glucagon is administered intravenously and saline irrigation through the tube is done under fluoroscopic control, allowing the stone to pass to the duodenum. The cholangiogram is repeated 10-14 days later, before removing the tube. RESULTS: In case 1, transcystic CBD exploration was performed. Two stones were crushed and flushed into the duodenum. TCT cholangiography the following day. showed a 5-6-mm fragment causing complete obstruction. Following the use of glucagon and irrigation, the stone was observed passing into the duodenum, causing a brief mild episode of pain. In case 2, laparoscopic choledochotomy was performed to remove seven large stones. Completion choledochoscopy was satisfactory. T-tube cholangiography identified a small stone in the CBD, which was cleared with the help of glucagon. CONCLUSION: The current standard treatment for retained stones is endoscopic sphincterotomy. This is associated with morbidity, mortality, and significant additional cost. This new technique is a simple and safe alternative for retained CBD stones, most of which as small stones or fragments. Because glucagon causes intense relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi, the procedure should not take much longer than a routine tube cholangiogram. The safety of glucagon makes it possible to repeat the procedure if necessary.     

胆道镜联合钬激光碎石治疗肝内胆管结石的临床体会

目的:探讨腹腔镜下胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石的效果及临床价值。方法:回顾分析2008年6月至2012年6月124例胆道结石患者的临床资料,其中60例行腹腔镜下胆道镜联合钬激光碎石术(观察组),64例行传统开腹手术,术中配合胆道镜取石,未使用钬激光(对照组)。结果:观察组中58例(96.7%)结石完全取净,手术时间平均(98.93±10.66)min,平均住院(8.3±1.7)d,术后残余结石2例,经T管窦道胆道镜再次取石成功。对照组中38例(59.4%)取净结石,手术时间平均(122.8±13.43)min,平均住院(13.98±1.49)d;残余结石26例,术后经T管窦道胆道镜再次取石,其中6例经2次取石,3次、4次取石及再次开腹手术各2例。两组患者手术时间及住院时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),术后胆道出血、肝功能异常、腹水等并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:腹腔镜下胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石具有患者创伤小、康复快、碎石确切、安全有效等优点,为治疗肝内胆管结石开辟了新的治疗途径。     

Experience with routine postoperative choledochoscopy via the T-tube sinus tract

In the 40-month period from April, 1974 to July, 1977, postoperative choledochoscopy was performed 566 times in 186 patients at Teikyo University Hospital. Included in this series were 56 patients with retained common bile duct stones and 23 patients with intrahepatic stones; the stones were removed by postoperative choledochoscopy in 52 and 20 of these patients, respectively. In some patients, unsuspected stones were detected endoscopically after a completion T-tube cholangiogram was reported as negative for stones. Our experience to date indicates that this technique is of substantial diagnostic and therapeutic value in the management of biliary calculi. Therefore, routine use of postoperative choledochoscopy as an adjunct to T-tube cholangiography is strongly advocated. Failure of attempts to remove retained stones endoscopically and complications in this series were all attributable to inadequate insertion of the T-tube into the common bile duct at the time of operation. To overcome this problem, a T-tube of at least No. 18 Fr. caliber, and preferably of No. 20 Fr. caliber, should be inserted at operation into the common bile duct at a right angle, so as to avoid a tortuous sinus tract and produce a tract of sufficient caliber to permit postoperative choledochoscopy.

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Résumé En 40 mois, entre Avril 1974 et en Juillet 1977, 566 cholédocoscopies postopératoires ont été faites chez 186 malades à l'Hôpital de l'Université de Teikyo. Dans cette série sont compris 56 malades avec calculs résiduels du cholédoque et 23 avec calculs intrahépatiques. La cholédocoscopie a permis d'enlever les calculs dans 52 et 20 de ces cas. Dans certains cas, l'endoscopie a mis en évidence des calculs insoupçonnés, non révélés par la cholangiographie faite par le drain de Kehr. Notre expérience montre que cette technique est réellement utile pour le diagnostic et le traitement de la lithiase biliaire: nous conseillons donc son emploi, en combinaison avec la cholangiographie. Dans cette série, tous les échecs et complications de la méthode ont été dus à une malposition du drain de Kehr à l'opération. Pour éviter ces ennuis, il faut placer dans le cholédoque, à angle droit, un drain de Kehr calibre 18 Fr. ou même mieux 20 Fr., de façon à éviter les sinuosités de parcours et à obtenir un trajet suffisamment large pour permettre la cholédocoscopie postopératoire.

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Presented at the XXVIIth Congress of the Société Internationale de Chirurgie, Kyoto, Japan, September 3–8, 1977.     

腹腔镜下胆道镜联合液电碎石经胆囊管治疗胆总管巨大结石的临床分析

目的:探讨腹腔镜下胆道镜联合液电碎石经胆囊管治疗胆道巨大结石的疗效。方法:回顾分析2005年1月至2013年11月84例因梗阻性黄疸、胆总管巨大结石行腹腔镜下胆道镜联合液电碎石经胆囊管取石患者的临床资料。结果:80例成功完成手术。1例因胆道出血中转开腹行胆总管切开止血、取石+T管引流术;1例患者怀疑胆道下段肿瘤中转开腹探查并行胰十二指肠切除术,术中冰冻病理证实为胆管癌;1例患者经胆囊管取石毕发现乳头下端狭窄,术中行内镜逆行胰胆管造影及乳头肌切开后胆汁流出通畅;1例患者因Mirizzi综合征导致胆囊三角区粘连紧密从而中转开腹行胆总管切开取石、T管引流术。术后均无出血、胆漏、胆总管损伤等并发症发生,术后住院7~11 d。结论:腹腔镜下胆道镜联合液电碎石经胆囊管取石术治疗胆总管巨大结石安全、可靠,手术微创,结石清除率高,并发症少;对于胆囊管粗短直、入口较大的患者,可直接置入胆道镜探查取石,损伤小,优点突出,值得临床应用。     

Choledochoscopy. A cost-minimization analysis.

Although choledochoscopy for the prevention of retained bile duct stones has been postulated as cost effective, no economic evaluation exists to substantiate this claim. We performed a cost-minimization analysis on 287 patients who underwent choledochoscopy during operations for biliary tract calculi between 1981 and 1987 to assess the economic impact of choledochoscopy versus noncholedochoscopic alternatives in obtaining a stone-free duct. Common duct exploration was positive for calculi in 75% of patients. Choledochoscopy-detected residual stones after duct exploration in 10% of patients. Residual stones were more frequent after positive (12.5%) than negative (2.7%) duct explorations. retained stones occurred in 4.5% of patients after operation. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values of choledochoscopy were 67%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. Cost-minimization analysis showed that total cost of either selective ($75,250) or routine ($110,450) choledochoscopy significantly exceeded the total cost of obtaining a stone-free duct for patients with retained stones via either extraction through a T-tube tract ($17,545) or by endoscopic papillotomy ($45,675). Because choledochoscopy was not economically competitive with noncholedochoscopic, nonoperative alternatives, reduction of choledochoscopy fees was implemented to economically justify continued use of choledochoscopy. We conclude that choledochoscopy is clinically efficacious in obtaining a stone-free duct, but endorsement of either routine or selective choledochoscopy by cost-minimization analysis requires careful assessment of fee structure to make choledochoscopy competitive economically.     

Residual choledocholithiasis in elective cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy

Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequent abdominal operation. Common bile duct stone may be found in 6-15% of elective cholecystectomics. One or more stones may be left behind within common bile duct. In a series of 106 consecutive cholecystectomics performed in the First surgical clinic in Belgrade over six months period (from 07.08.1997.-31.12.1997.) operative cholangiography was performed routinely in every single case. Unexpected common bile duct stone was found in 13 patients (12.26%). After removal of stones choledochoscopy was performed in 7 out of 13 patients with common bile duct stone (53.8%). An operative T-tube cholangiography was performed in all 13 cases before closure of the abdomen. Postoperatively, usually from 8th to 10th day a secondary T-tube cholangiography in the X-ray department was performed in all 13 cases. Retained stone was found in 2 patients, both in group of patients in whom choledochoscopy had not been carried out. The retained stone was successfully removed endoscopically in one case but the second patient had to be reoperated as endoscopy was unsuccessful. We conclude that choledochoscopy reduces the risk of retained common bile duct stone and it should be practiced whenever possible.     

Postoperative flexible choledochoscopy for residual primary intrahepatic stones.

Postoperative flexible choledochoscopy was carried out in 103 patients with residual biliary calculi. Forty-one patients had residual stones in the common duct, and 63 patients had residual stones in the intrahepatic ducts with or without stones in the common duct. The majority of the intrahepatic stones were primary stones. Postoperative choledochoscopy was very effective in removing residual common duct stones (95% removed, no morbidity). For intrahepatic stones, removal was more difficult and was associated with a higher morbidity (11.2%). Stone extraction through the stenotic intrahepatic ducts was made possible by the balloon dilatation of the ducts. Repeated endoscopic access to the biliary system was made easier by the construction of a hepatico-cutaneous-jejunostomy, which also provides a route to the biliary tree for future stone removal if stone reformation occurs. Complimented by these procedures, postoperative choledochoscopy was successful in removing the residual intrahepatic stones in 82.3% of the patients. At a median follow-up of 17 months, the majority of the patients who had all the stones removed as well as those who had stones left behind were symptom free.     

Laser lithotripsy for the management of retained stones.

The morbidity of reoperation for retained biliary stones is not significant. Many techniques have been developed to avoid reoperation. This study analyzes T-tube tract choledochoscopy and lithotripsy using a 504-nm pulsed dye laser for treatment of retained stones. A flexible choledochoscope is passed into the biliary tract and laser energy is delivered under endoscopic visualization after passing a 320-microns laser fiber through the instrument channel. Eight patients were treated in nine sessions. The mean number of pulses was 1512.33, delivered at 3 to 5 Hz with an energy of 100 to 120 mJ. In all patients, the biliary tract was cleared. A single patient's treatment was complicated by transient bacteremia. Mean follow-up was 10 months. Choledochoscopic laser lithotripsy is a safe, effective technique that may also play a major role in laparoscopic common duct surgery.