Results of the routine use of a modified endoprosthesis to drain the common bile duct after laparoscopic choledochotomy

Background: One hundred eighty-one patients were submitted to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Methods: A transcystic approach was used in 147 patients, choledochotomy in 14, and both in 20. The indications to perform a choledochotomy included stones larger than 20 mm, stones proximal to the cystic duct entrance, and cases in which the transcystic duct approach proved impossible or unsuccessful. Results: The common bile duct was drained by a T-tube in four patients, by laparoscopic sphincterotomy in one, by laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy in one, and by a 10 Fr endoprosthesis in 28. The stent placement was technically feasible in all patients but one. The biliary drainage was adequate. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 days. Complication was limited to one umbilical infection and one self-limited biliary leak. Conclusions: The procedure proved to be technically simple, safe, and efficient, and resulted in a low morbidity rate and short hospital stay. Received: 29 March 1996/Accepted: 12 June 1996