Selective endoscopic cholangiography for the detection of common bile duct stones in patients with cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The detection and management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to be controversial. Several diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been suggested. These include intraoperative cholangiography, selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective ERCP in detecting CBD stones in patients with cholelithiasis before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, patients with cholelithiasis who presented during a 6-year period were assessed on a selective basis with ERCP for suspected CBD stones before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ERCP was carried out if the patient had any of the following criteria: a dilated CBD on ultrasound, gallstone pancreatitis, or abnormal liver function tests. Intraoperative cholangiography was not performed in any of the patients. Long-term follow-up was undertaken. RESULTS: The study included 427 patients. On the basis of selective criteria, ERCP was carried out in 41 patients (9.6 %), with confirmed CBD stones in 22 cases (53.7 %). The most useful predictor of CBD stones on ERCP was the presence of a dilated CBD in association with abnormal liver function tests. In this situation, CBD stones were identified in 14 of 17 cases (82 %). Abnormal liver function tests alone had a sensitivity of 50 % (four of eight). All other parameters used in isolation had a lower detection rate. During a median follow-up period of 6 years (range 1-10 years), six of 386 patients (1.6 %) with initially normal imaging and biochemical tests presented again with retained stones. All were successfully managed by ERCP and sphincterotomy. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative selective ERCP is effective in detecting clinically significant CBD stones. However, there is a high false-negative rate when a single criterion is used to guide therapy. Multivariate analysis of preoperative parameters for risk stratification, in conjunction with other imaging modalities, may make it possible to minimize unnecessary ERCPs.     

胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石的内镜诊治

目的：探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）在胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石诊治中的应用价值。方法：对胆囊切除术后腹痛、发热、黄疸或肝功能异常而经B超、CT或磁共振胰胆管造影（MRCP）证实或怀疑残留胆总管结石的患者进行ERCP检查，对发现胆总管结石的患者行EST或EPBD后取石。结果：ERCP检查的成功率为96．4％（108／112）。85例证实胆总管结石的患者行EST或EPBD后取石，79例（92．9％）取石治疗成功；6例因合并肝内胆管多发结石而行外科手术治疗。并发症发生率为4．5％，其中消化道出血2例，急性胰腺炎3例。结论；对于胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石的患者，ERCP是理想的诊断方法，而且还可以同时进行治疗。     

Managing concomitant gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones in the laparoscopic era: a systematic review

Background: There is still no consensus on the ideal management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This article aims to review the management of concomitant gallbladder stones and CBD stones in the laparoscopic era. Method: A PubMed database search was performed to identify MEDLINE articles from 1986 to 2010 using the key terms “common bile duct stones,”“cholecystectomy,”“bile duct exploration,”“ERCP” (endoscopic retrograde cholangiography), and “endoscopic sphincterotomy.” Results: There were five randomized comparative trials (RCT) comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Two RCTs showed similar stone clearance rates and shorter hospital stays in the LCBDE group, while three RCTs showed similar stone clearance rates and hospital stays in sequential preoperative ERCP, LC and LCBDE groups. There were two RCTs comparing LCBDE to sequential LC and postoperative ERCP. One showed similar stone clearance rate and shorter hospital stay in LCBDE group, while the other showed similar stone clearance rate and hospital stay. There were three RCTs comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and LC against LC with intraoperative ERCP. All three studies showed similar stone clearance rates and shorter hospital stays in the intraoperative ERCP group. There was only one RCT comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and LC against sequential LC and postoperative ERCP. This showed a similar stone clearance rate and shorter hospital stay in the postoperative ERCP group. Conclusion: Different management approaches of concomitant gallbladder stones and CBD stones were equivalent in efficacy. However, one‐stage management had the advantage of providing a shorter hospital stay.     

Selective operative cholangiography in the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to determine whether it could be safely omitted for all patients who fit standard criteria, namely normal liver function tests, no history of gallstone pancreatitis, common bile duct (CBD) diameter less than 10 mm or previous history of jaundice. Data were collected prospectively from 194 consecutive patients who had LC for symptomatic gall bladder disease. IOC was not performed in any patient. The conversion rate was 6.1% and one CBD injury occurred. Our experience demonstrates that LC performed without routine IOC does not result in an increased incidence of retained stones in selected patients who have no history of pancreatitis, normal liver function tests and CBD less than 10 mm diameter.     

急性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除时术中胆道造影35例分析

目的:探讨急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)时行术中胆道造影对胆总管结石的诊断价值,了解IOC在急诊LC时的可行性和安全性。方法:37例术前B超或CT未发现胆总管结石的急性胆囊炎病例行LC,均行经胆囊管胆道造影。结果:35例胆道造影成功,发现3例胆总管结石病例,分别为4mm、3mm、3mm大小,于术后行内镜取石成功。该组病例中无胆道损伤,发生1例与胆道造影无关的轻微胆漏。结论:急性胆囊炎行LC时,并发隐匿性胆管结石的情况值得重视,IOC在急诊LC时对胆管结石的诊断是安全可行的。     

Preoperative determinants of common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine whether there are any clinical or biochemical predictors of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A prospective database of nearly 1000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed under the care of a single surgeon with a standardised technique between 1999 and 2006, was analysed. Clinical presentation, ultrasound and immediate preoperative biochemical results as well as the operative cholangiogram findings were reviewed. Routine cholangiography was attempted in most patients and the primary outcome variable was the detection of bile duct stones. The data was analysed using chi‐squared test for categorical variables. The significant variables on univariate analysis were further characterised to identify the independent predictors of bile duct stones using a logistic regression model (significance p < 0.05). Results: A total of 757 of 988 patients (77%) underwent cholangiography. Male‐to‐female ratio was 1 : 3 with a median age of 54 years (range: 17–93). Ten per cent of patients had bile duct stones identified on cholangiography. On univariate analysis, jaundice (p = 0.019), cholangitis (p < 0.001), alanine transaminase > 100 (p = 0.024), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) > 350 (p < 0.001) and CBD > 10 mm (p = 0.01) were significant markers for predicting bile duct stones. Bilirubin > 30 (×2 normal) was found not to be significant (p = 0.145). On a logistic regression model, ALP > 350 and/or cholangitis were found to be independent predictive factors of CBD stones (odds ratio 6.1). Conclusions: If a policy of routine intra‐operative cholangiography is not adopted, a history of cholangitis or a raised ALP immediately preoperatively should lead to a high suspicion of CBD stones.     

Sonography of the common bile duct and the gallbladder during ceruletid infusion

In the present study, we investigated a new sonographic test to confirm or exclude partial common bile duct (CBD) obstruction, hereinafter called "dynamic cholangio-cholecysto sonography (DCCS)." Healthy controls (6) and patients with low- to intermediate probability for partial CBD obstruction (17) were investigated. DCCS started with three baseline masurements of gallbladder volume and CBD diameter, which were then repeated every 2 to 3 min for 45 min during a 30-min infusion of ceruletid. According to CBD diameter change during gallbladder contraction, DCCS was considered positive (> 1 mm), negative (< 0.5 mm) or equivocal (remainder). After DCCS, all patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) and all but one patient had endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). A follow-up examination was performed at least 4 weeks after ERCP. Based on these results, an outcome score was calculated to classify the patients as having a flow-relevant CBD obstruction or not. DCCS was true positive in 4 patients (sensitivity 66%, positive predictive value 100%). DCCS was false-negative in 1 patient and equivocal in another patient. DCCS was true-negative in 9 patients (specifity 82%, negative predictive value 90%). Two patients without flow-relevant CBD obstruction had equivocal DCCS test results. DCCS might be used as a noninvasive test for further workup of patients with low- to intermediate probability of flow relevant CBD obstruction, helping to avoid unnecessary ERCP and to serve as an additional indication for ERCP and EST.     

腹腔镜胆总管探查取石与内镜ERCP/EST联合LC治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的临床对比研究

【目的】评价腹腔镜胆总管探查取石术(LCBDE)与内镜逆行胆管造影、括约肌切开取石术(ER CP/EST)联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的临床效果,探讨胆石症的微创外科治疗策略。【方法】回顾性分析152例胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石病人分别采用LC LCBDE术(68例)、内镜EST联合LC术(84例)治疗的临床资料, 进行胆总管内径、结石大小、手术时间、手术费用、并发症发生率、术后住院日等方面的统计学对比分析。【结果】两种术式的术后住院日差异无显著性(P>0. 05),手术时间、手术费用、并发症发生率等方面比较差异有显著性(P<0. 01 ), 且两者的胆总管内径、结石大小相比较有差别。【结论】胆总管直径小于1. 0cm,尤其胆总管下端结石嵌顿时宜采用内镜、腹腔镜联合手术治疗;胆总管直径大于1. 0cm或多发结石,尤其并存二级支肝管结石者(无胆管狭窄),腹腔镜下一期手术LC LCBDE是治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的最佳选择。     

Outcomes of laparoscopic bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis with small common bile duct

BACKGROUNDLaparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration (LCBDE) is one of the main treatments for choledocholithiasis with CBD diameter of larger than 10 mm. However, for patients with small CBD (CBD diameter ≤ 8 mm), endoscopic sphincterotomy remains the preferred treatment at present, but it also has some drawbacks associated with a series of complications, such as pancreatitis, hemorrhage, cholangitis, and duodenal perforation. To date, few studies have been reported that support the feasibility and safety of LCBDE for choledocholithiasis with small CBD.AIMTo investigate the feasibility and safety of LCBDE for choledocholithiasis with small CBD.METHODSA total of 257 patients without acute cholangitis who underwent LC + LCBDE for cholecystolithiasis from January 2013 to December 2018 in one institution were reviewed. The clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. According to whether the diameter of CBD was larger than 8 mm, 257 patients were divided into large CBD group (n = 146) and small CBD group (n = 111). Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to adjust for clinical differences. The demographics, intraoperative data, short-term outcomes, and long-term follow-up outcomes for the patients were recorded and compared.RESULTSIn total, 257 patients who underwent successful LC + LCBDE were enrolled in the study, 146 had large CBD and 111 had small CBD. The median follow-up period was 39 (14-86) mo. For small CBD patients, the median CBD diameter was 0.6 cm (0.2-2.0 cm), the mean operating time was 107.2 ± 28.3 min, and the postoperative bile leak rate, rate of residual CBD stones (CBDS), CBDS recurrence rate, and CBD stenosis rate were 5.41% (6/111), 3.60% (4/111), 1.80% (2/111), and 0% (0/111), respectively; the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.4 ± 3.6 d. For large CBD patients, the median common bile duct diameter was 1.0 cm (0.3-3.0 cm), the mean operating time was 115.7 ± 32.0 min, and the postoperative bile leak rate, rate of residual CBDS, CBDS recurrence rate, and CBD stenosis rate were 5.41% (9/146), 1.37% (2/146), 6.85% (10/146), and 0% (0/146), respectively; the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.7 ± 2.7 d. After propensity score matching, 184 patients remained, and all preoperative covariates except diameter of CBD stones were balanced. Postoperative bile leak occurred in 11 patients overall (5.98%), and no difference was found between the small CBD group (4.35%, 4/92) and the large CBD group (7.61%, 7/92). The incidence of CBDS recurrence did not differ significantly between the small CBD group (2.17%, 2/92) and the large CBD group (6.52%, 6/92).CONCLUSIONLC + LCBDE is safe and feasible for choledocholithiasis patients with small CBD and did not increase the postoperative bile leak rate compared with chole-docholithiasis patients with large CBD.     

Effect of cholecystectomy on common bile duct diameters: a longitudinal prospective ultrasonographic study

The medium-term effect of cholecystectomy on common bile duct diameters (CBD) was investigated prospectively in 64 patients with gallstone disease examined by ultrasonography immediately before and 27 months to 39 months after the operation. In 32 patients with chronic cholecystitis and patent cystic ducts, CBD diameters increased slightly (median 4.6 mm pre- and 5.3 mm postoperatively; p less than 0.05). A group of 19 patients with acute cholecystitis or cystic duct occlusion showed a significant decrease (median 7.7 mm pre- and 5.5 mm postoperatively; p less than 0.05). In 13 patients with common bile duct stones, the CBD diameters also decreased significantly after surgical intervention (median 7.5 mm pre- and 5.0 mm postoperatively; p less than 0.05). The widest CBD diameter after cholecystectomy observed in this study was 10 mm. We conclude that either increases or decreases of the CBD diameters may occur after cholecystectomy in patients with calculous gallbladder disease, and that the postoperative evolution is governed by the exact nature of the underlying biliary disease at the time of the index operation.     

Assessment of the biliary tract by ultrasonography and cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-chol) has induced routine cholangiography to map the biliary tree and identify common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, the use of more selective criteria for performing intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), drawbacks of IOC and experience with laparoscopic ultrasonography (LU) re-introduced intraoperative ultrasonography for the CBD. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of LU and IOC to identify the anatomy of the CBD and the presence of stones. METHODS: A total of 50 unselected patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were evaluated by LU and IOC. Stones were found in three patients by IOC and could be confirmed by ultrasonography and CBD exploration in two. RESULTS: Anatomic definition of the biliary tract and success of the procedure was better for LU (90 and 98%) than IOC (86 and 72%). CONCLUSION: For Surgical groups with experience in LU this technique appears to become the standard technique to identify the anatomy of the CBD and assessment of CBD stones.     

Intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy is a reasonable option for complete single-stage minimally invasive biliary stones treatment: short-term experience with 57 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: How to approach common bile-duct (CBD) stones discovered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is still a subject for debate. After sequential strategies, the natural trend is now towards single-stage therapy. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (IOES) when CBD stones are discovered or strongly suspected on intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during LC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of a total of 2193 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, we reviewed 57 patients who, between 1991 and 1999, underwent IOES just after LC during the same anesthetic session. Under fluoroscopic guidance, one group of 32 patients (Dijon) underwent IOES in the prone position and a second group of 25 patients (Poitiers) in the left lateral position. RESULTS: IOES was successful in all cases (100%). CBD stones were definitively found in 49 cases (86%) but retrieved or released into the duodenum after IOES in only 46 cases (46/49, 93.9%). The mean duration of the intraoperative endoscopic procedure was 28 minutes (range 15-75). The short-term complication rate was 7%. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.3 days (range 2-14). CONCLUSIONS: IOES performed after LC during the same anesthetic session is feasible with low risk and with good results. It offers the opportunity to treat in one stage both cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis without the need for surgical CBD exploration.     

ERCP在胆囊切除术后黄疸诊治中的应用

目的：探讨经内镜逆行胆胰管造影（endoscopicretrogradecholangiopancreatograp11y,ERCP）在胆囊切除术后黄疸患者的诊断和治疗中的应用价值。方法：对53例胆囊切除术后不明原因或考虑为外科原因的黄疸患者行ERCP检查,明确黄疸的原因并在内镜下采取相应的治疗措施。对于胆总管结石的患者行乳头括约肌切开（endoscopicsphincterotomy,EST）或乳头球囊扩张（endoscopicpapillaryballoondilation,EPBD）取石,对胆漏和胆道狭窄患者行内镜引流术,对乳头狭窄或括约肌功能异常的患者行EST或EPBD。结果：53例患者均成功行ERCP检查,结果显示胆总管结石38例、胆道损伤8例、乳头狭窄或括约肌功能异常3例、乳头癌1例、肝门胆管癌1例、未见异常2例。经相应治疗后,所有患者均未出现严重并发症。结论：对于胆囊切除术后出现黄疸的患者,ERCP是理想的诊断方法,同时还可以进行内镜下治疗。     

Successful treatment of limy bile syndrome extending to the common bile duct by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration: A case report and literature review

Limy bile syndrome extending to the common bile duct (CBD) is a rare condition that lacks a standardized treatment. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic choledocholithotomy by CBD exploration is preferred because it preserves the function of the sphincter of the Vater's papilla and allows treatment of both lesions. A 37‐year‐old man who was receiving entecavir for chronic hepatitis B developed right upper quadrant pain. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a calcified shadow in the gallbladder and CBD. Abdominal imaging revealed a liquid‐like material identified by a calcified shadow in two phases separated by a fluid‐fluid level. Abdominal and 3‐D drip infusion cholangiography CT showed stones in the gallbladder and CBD with limy bile. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy. Intraoperatively, white–yellow‐colored bile and stones were drained from the CBD. A C‐tube was placed. Postoperatively, remnant stones and radiopaque materials were absent. The stones comprised of >95% calcium carbonate.     

Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones

In a consecutive series of 228 patients reterred to Kalundborg Sygehus, Surgical Department, for treatment of gall bladder disease, 17 patients had common bile duct (CBD) stones. Nine were found pre-operatively and treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), papillotomy and stone extraction. In two cases, however, the ERC procedure failed and the patients were treated successfully using laparoscopic therapy. Six CBD stones were found during laparoscopic surgery. Four of these patients were treated with laparoscopic stone extraction. In two patients laparoscopic stone extraction was not possible and they were treated post-operatively with ERC and stone extraction. Two CBD stones were discovered after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One was treated with ERC and stone extraction, the other with open surgery. By combining endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, it is possible in most cases to avoid open surgery for the treatment of CBD stones.     

Do normal findings at biliary endoscopic ultrasonography obviate the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with suspicion of common bile duct stone? A prospective follow-up study of 238 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Biliary endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) are equally accurate for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stone. The aim of this prospective 1-year follow-up study was to determine whether normal findings at initial EUS obviated the need for ERC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 17-month period, all patients referred for biliary EUS because of suspicion of CBD stone, in whom EUS findings were normal were included in the study. Early (1-month) and late (1-year) follow-up details were obtained by mail or telephone. The clinical course and need for ERC were recorded. RESULTS: 238 patients were enrolled. During follow-up, 59 (25 %) patients underwent cholecystectomy, with (n=31) or without (n=28) cholangiography, and 30 patients underwent ERC (13 %). CBD stone was found in 14 (6 %) patients. Of these 30 patients, ERC was done in 15 cases in the first week after EUS, because of persistent suspicion of a CBD stone which was found in 10 patients. The 15 late ERC procedures (carried out more than 1 week after EUS) revealed only one CBD stone. The negative predictive value of EUS for the diagnosis of CBD stones was 95.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with suspicion of CBD stones but normal EUS findings have a low risk of needing ERC in a 1-year period.     

Direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultraslim upper endoscope for management of residual stones after mechanical lithotripsy for retained common bile duct stones

Background and study aims: The incidence of residual stones after mechanical lithotripsy for retained common bile duct (CBD) stones is relatively high. Peroral cholangioscopy using a mother - baby system may be useful for confirming complete extraction of stones, but has several limitations regarding routine use. We evaluated the role of direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultraslim upper endoscope for the evaluation and removal of residual CBD stones after mechanical lithotripsy.Patients and methods: From August 2006 to November 2010, 48 patients who had undergone mechanical lithotripsy for retained CBD stones with no evidence of filling defects in balloon cholangiography were recruited. The bile duct was inspected by DPOC after balloon cholangiography. Detected residual CBD stones were directly retrieved with a basket or balloon catheter under DPOC. The incidence of residual stones detected by DPOC, and the success rate of residual stone retrieval under DPOC were investigated.Results: DPOC was successfully performed in 46 of the 48 patients (95.8 %). Of these, 13 patients (28.3 %) had residual CBD stones (mean number 1.4, range 1 - 3; mean diameter 4.5 mm, range 2.3 - 9.6). The residual stones were removed directly under DPOC in 11 of these patients (84.6 %). There were no complications associated with DPOC or stone removal. Conclusion: DPOC using an ultraslim upper endoscope is a useful endoscopic procedure for the evaluation and extraction of residual stones after mechanical lithotripsy for retained CBD stones.     

Accuracy of linear endoscopic ultrasonography in the evaluation of patients with suspected common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with radial scanning is an efficient diagnostic tool where there is suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Little is known about the use of linear EUS in this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of linear EUS in a large group of patients suspected to have bile duct stones, using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy and exploration of the CBD using a Dormia basket, or surgical choledochotomy with choledochoscopy, as diagnostic "gold standards." PATIENTS AND METHODS: 134 patients with clinical suspicion of CBD stones were included in the study and prospectively evaluated, using EUS, and ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy (127 patients), or choledochotomy with choledochoscopy where ERCP was unsuccessful (seven patients). EUS was done before ERCP using an echo endoscope (Pentax FG 32 UA; 5 - 7.5 MHz) and Hitachi EUB 405 ultrasound machine. ERCP was done using the TFJ 100 or TJ 20 Olympus duodenoscope. ERCP was carried out within a mean of 2 days after EUS. The longest time between EUS and ERCP was 3 days. The examiners were blinded to the results of the other method used. RESULTS: CBD stones were found in 91 (68 %) patients at ERCP with ES or at surgery. The correct diagnosis was established by EUS in 85 patients. The remaining 43 patients without CBD stones were correctly diagnosed in 41 cases by means of EUS, giving an accuracy of 94 %, sensitivity of 93 %, specificity of 93 %, a positive predictive value of 98 %, a negative predictive value of 87 %, and a Youden's index of 89 %. CONCLUSIONS: Linear EUS is a fairly reliable method for the evaluation of patients with high suspicion for CBD stones. The usefulness of linear EUS in the evaluation of patients with low or moderate suspicion for CBD stones warrants further study.     

The clinical significance of common bile-duct dilatation in patients without biliary symptoms or causative lesions on ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Although abdominal ultrasonography (US) is a good initial screening method for detection of biliary tract disease, we sometimes encounter patients who only have findings of dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD) on US, without specific biliary symptoms or jaundice. This study aimed to evaluate the causes and clinical significance of dilatation of the CBD in patients without biliary symptoms, jaundice, or causative lesions at US. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 77 patients who had no biliary symptoms and whose internal CBD diameter was more than 7 mm, without definite causative lesions on US, were enrolled. Of these, 49 underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and 28 underwent follow-up US or computed tomography (CT) instead of ERCP. We excluded patients whose bilirubin level had increased beyond the upper normal level or who had previous history of upper abdominal surgery including cholecystectomy. RESULTS: The ERCP findings were as follows: no lesion in 20 patients (40.8%), juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum (JDD) in 11 (22.5%), benign stricture in ten (20.4%), distal CBD mass in two (4.1%), choledochal cyst in two (4.1%), anomalous union of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AUPBD) in two (4.1%), and choledochal cyst with AUPBD in two (4.1%). There were no differences in age or in alkaline phosphatase or gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels between the patients who had causative lesions revealed at ERCP and those who did not. Among the 28 patients who did not undergo ERCP, 12 had returned to normal and eight had no change in CBD diameter on follow-up US. Among eight patients who underwent CT, there were four with normal findings, one with JDD, and three with suspected choledochal cysts. CONCLUSIONS: We detected a significant number of causative biliary tract lesions in asymptomatic adults with dilatation of the CBD on routine abdominal US; no laboratory or demographic parameters were useful for discrimination. Further diagnostic study will be helpful for the early diagnosis of biliary tract disease in such patients.     

Cholecystostomy: a safe alternative?

We have studied retrospectively 27 patients undergoing cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis over the past decade. The mean age of the patients was 60 years, and 17 were female. 'Difficult dissection' was the reason given for cholecystostomy in 18 cases and in the remainder the patients were deemed unfit for cholecystectomy. An operative cholangiogram was performed in only two cases, and none of the patients had a primary common bile duct exploration. Post-operative cholangiograms in 14 patients revealed common bile duct stones in three (21%). Three elderly patients (mean age 79) died in hospital. At a mean follow-up of one year, 26% of patients had come to elective cholecystectomy, and there had been a further three unrelated deaths. We conclude that under difficult circumstances, cholecystostomy may be a safe alternative to cholecystectomy. These patients have a high incidence of choledocholithiasis, and thus we would recommend operative cholangiograms in all patients. However, early ERCP and sphincterotomy may be a safe alternative if this service becomes more widely available.