Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in conjunction with laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Summary Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the primary surgical treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. In conjunction with the dramatic rise in LC there has been an increase in the number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed. For this study, the records of patients referred to the surgical endoscopy department between January 1991 and February 1992 were reviewed. Seventy-seven ERCPs were performed in conjunction with LC. The indications for ERCP included jaundice or a history of jaundice, gallstone pancreatitis, a suspicious filling defect on either ultrasound or intraoperative cholangiogram, abnormal liver function tests, cholangitis, or postoperative bile leak. Sixty-two procedures were performed prior to LC and 15 procedures after LC. Forty-two patients were female (54.5%) and the patients ages ranged from 14 to 92 years (mean 54.1 years). Of the 62 patients having ERCP preoperatively 35 patients (56.5%) had no evidence of common bile duct (CBD) stones and underwent LC as planned. Twenty-three patients were found to have CBD stones, of which six were referred for an open cholecystectomy and CBD exploration, because of large multiple CBD stones or the presence of a large duodenal diverticulum. Seventeen patients had their CBD cleared endoscopically, and four patients were not successfully cannulated.Fifteen patients had ERCP after LC. There were two patients with CBD injuries who were referred for surgical correction. Two patients had leakage from the cystic duct stump, and four patients had CBD stones, all of whom were successfully treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy. There were four patients who had a normal postoperative ERCP and two patients who could not have their CBD cannulated.There were no mortalities, but there were four cases of complications. Two patients had bleeding after stone extractions, and they required blood transfusions. One patient developed cholangitis from stenosis of the papilla after an endoscopic sphincterotomy, and one patient developed pancreatitis which resolved with conservative treatment. There is an increasing role for ERCP and sphincterotomy in patients undergoing LC. ERCP carries an inherent morbidity and therefore routine ERCP is not justified. However, with the proper suspicion of CBD stones a preoperative ERCP is indicated prior to a planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Effect of intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy on outcome after gallstone pancreatitis

Acute gallstone pancreatitis has traditionally been managed by early cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). To evaluate the effect of IOC on patient outcome, we analyzed all patients operated on for acute gallstone pancreatitis at our institution over a 3-year period. A total of 200 patients (37 open, 163 laparoscopic) were evaluated. Nineteen of 34 patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were found to have common bile duct (CBD) stones. The 59 patients who underwent cholecystectomy with IOC had significantly longer operative times compared to the 141 patients who underwent cholecystectomy alone (167 vs. 105 minutes for open [P= 0.008] and 89 vs. 68 minutes for laparoscopic [P< 0.0001] operations). Of the 59 patients who underwent IOC, only nine (15%) had abnormal cholangiograms, and CBD exploration in seven revealed stones in four patients, edematous ampullae in two, and no abnormality in one. Six of eight patients (5 IOC, 3 no IOC) who required immediate postoperative ERCP were noted to have CBD stones. Patients who underwent IOC had significantly longer postoperative hospital stays (3.8 vs. 2.0 days [P= 0.007]). The incidence of retained CBD stones following surgery was similar (5.1% IOC, 2.8% no IOC). Although 7 of 122 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy without IOC were readmitted, only one was found on ERCP to have a retained CBD stone. Age, sex, preoperative days, procedure type, and biliary-pancreatic complications after discharge did not differ significantly between patients with and without IOC. We conclude that IOC in patients operated on for acute gallstone pancreatitis results in a longer operative time and a prolonged postoperative course, but has no effect on the incidence of retained CBD stones. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southern California Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Huntington Beach, California, January 21–23, 2000.     

Cholecystectomy without operative cholangiography. Implications for common bile duct injury and retained common bile duct stones.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while minimizing the use of operative cholangiography. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There has been a long-standing debate between routine and selective operative cholangiography that has resurfaced with LC. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on the first 1300 patients undergoing LC at McGill University. Preoperative indications for ERCP were recorded, radiologic findings were standardized, and technical points for a safe LC were emphasized. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients underwent 127 preoperative ERCPs. Fifty patients were found to have choledocholithiasis (3.8%), and clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 45 patients. The other five patients underwent open cholecystectomy with common duct exploration. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was attempted in only 54 patients (4.2%), 6 of whom demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Forty-nine postoperative ERCPs were performed in 33 patients and stones were detected in 17 (1.3%), with a median follow-up time of 22 months. Endoscopic duct clearance was successful in all of these. The incidence of CBD injury was 0.38%, and a policy of routine operative cholangiography might only have led to earlier recognition of duct injury in one case. The rate of complication for all ERCPs was 9% and the associated median duration of the hospital stay was 4 days. The median duration of the hospital stay after open CBD exploration was 13 days. CONCLUSIONS: LC can be performed safely without routine IOC. The selective use of preoperative and postoperative ERCP will clear the CBD of stones in 92.5% of patients.     

The role of intraoperative cholangiogram in the management of patients recovering from acute biliary pancreatitis

Background Use of the standard management for gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis calls for cholecystectomy with cholangiography performed during the same hospitalization after acute symptoms has decreased. No previous studies, however, have objectively addressed the usefulness of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) for the management of this condition. This study aimed to determine the incidence of common bile duct (CBD) stones after an acute episode of gallstone pancreatitis. Methods The medical records of all patients who underwent a cholecystectomy and IOC after an episode of gallstone pancreatitis during the same admission between 1999 and 2004 at the University of Alberta and Royal Alexandra hospitals were examined to determine the incidence of CBD stones after resolution of gallstone pancreatitis. Results After a chart review for a series of 86 patients, 63 met the inclusion criteria. All except for one patient had undergone successful IOC (98%). Among the patients who had no evidence of CBD obstruction on preoperative imaging or lab work, three were found to have a filling defect on IOC and stones on their postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (3/63, 5%). This is not significantly different from the 4.6% incidence of CBD stones among patients with cholelithiasis who had normal preoperative imaging and blood work. Conclusion In the setting of normal preoperative imaging and lab work, the incidence of CBD stones among patients recovering from acute mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis is not significantly higher than among patients with no history of pancreatitis. Therefore, an IOC for post-gallstone pancreatitis does not alter management. Presented in oral form at the Canadian Surgery Forum, Montreal, Quebec, September 2005     

Total bilirubin is a useful predictor of persisting common bile duct stone in gallstone pancreatitis

Accepted guidelines for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in gallstone pancreatitis are lacking. Our previous investigations suggested that serum total bilirubin on hospital Day 2 best predicts persisting common bile duct (CBD) stones. We aim to identify an optimal total bilirubin threshold on hospital Day 2 that would predict persisting CBD stones and guide obtaining preoperative ERCP. Prospective and retrospective data were available from 200 consecutive patients with gallstone pancreatitis at a public teaching hospital from 2003 through 2007. Charts were examined for persisting CBD stones on ERCP and/or intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients with cholangitis (n = 18) were excluded. Nineteen of the remaining 182 (10%) patients had CBD stones. Mean hospital Day 2 bilirubin was 3.7 mg/dL for patients with CBD stones versus 1.4 mg/dL for those without (P < 0.0001). Seventeen patients (9%) had total bilirubin 4 or greater on hospital Day 2. Of these, eight (4%) had CBD stones (specificity 94%). Of the 165 patients with total bilirubin less than 4, 11 (7%) had CBD stones (P < 0.0001). In gallstone pancreatitis, a serum total bilirubin level 4 mg/dL or greater on hospital Day 2 predicts persisting CBD stones with enough specificity to serve as a practical guideline for ERCP while minimizing unnecessary procedures.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography accurately detects common bile duct stones in resolving gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the optimal method to detect common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients with mild resolving gallstone pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting choledocholithiasis in this group of patients. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized trial was conducted. Patients randomized to group 1 (n = 34) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Those randomized to group 2 (n = 29) had preoperative MRCP, of these, patients with negative MRCP underwent LC and IOC, patients with positive MRCP had preoperative ERCP followed by LC. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were randomized (34 to group 1 and 29 to group 2). CBD stones were found in 5 patients in group 1. CBD exploration was performed in 2 patients, preoperative ERCP in 1, and postoperative ERCP in the other 2. MRCP showed CBD stones in 4 patients in group 2. There were two false-positive MRCPs. Four patients with a negative MRCP did not have IOC or ERCP, the remaining 21 patients with a negative MRCP had a negative IOC. The MRCP sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 16-100%), specificity 91% (95% CI, 72-99%), positive predictive value 50% (95% CI, 7-93%), negative predictive value 100% (95% CI, 84-100%), and accuracy 92% (95% CI, 74-99%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with resolving gallstone pancreatitis and a negative MRCP do not need preoperative ERCP or IOC. Only patients with a positive MRCP will require preoperative ERCP.     

Intraoperative cholangiography can be safely omitted during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study of 413 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of the study was to show that laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) can be performed safely without intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 413 consecutive patients with symptomatic gallstone disease, who underwent LC. According to the preoperative clinical, laboratory and ultrasound criteria, 38 patients (9.2%) were selected for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). All patients were followed postoperatively for symptoms and signs of common bile duct (CBD) stones. RESULTS: Preoperative ERC allowed to make a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis in 22 (58%) of the 38 selected patients. Stone clearance was achieved with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in all cases. Three patients (7.9%) had an episode of mild self-limited pancreatitis after the procedure. Eight patients (1.9%) of 413 required conversion from LC to open cholecystectomy. There were no CBD injuries and no death cases. Of the postoperative complications, 1.5% were recorded during hospital stay. During the follow-up period, for at least 2 years after surgery, retained CBD stones were verified in 6 patients (1.5%); however, the supposed rate of residual stones was 2.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that performance of selective preoperative ERC with ES when necessary, followed by LC, is an appropriate and safe approach to the treatment of patients with cholecystolithiasis and unsuspected choledocholithiasis. This approach allows to omit IOC and to perform LC safely without biliary duct injuries, ensuring low rate of retained CBD stones in the late follow-up period.     

Preoperative ERCP approach to common bile duct stones: results of a selective policy

BACKGROUND: In a previous study, we made a plea for more selective indications for preoperative ERCP in patients with gallstones based on the results obtained from a liberal policy. Following 3.5 years of implementing this selective policy, a report on the results are presented here. This study was performed in a referral academic hospital. METHODS: Between June 1994 and December 1997, 328 patients underwent cholecystectomy because of symptomatic cholelithiasis. Absolute indications for preoperative ERCP were: acute cholangitis (4 patients); obstructive jaundice (22 patients); gallstone pancreatitis (within the first 24 h in 14 patients), and wide common bile duct (CBD, >8 mm) with suspicion of stones in the biliary tree (2 patients). RESULTS: In 42 patients (12.8%) a preoperative ERCP was performed for these indications. Stones were found in the CBD in 30 patients and edema in the papilla in 2 patients (total 76.2%). The stones could be extracted by endoscopic sphincterotomy in 24 of the 30 patients (80%). Complications were seen in 7 patients (16.7%). All these complications (bleeding of the papilla in 4 and mild pancreatitis in 3 patients) could be treated conservatively. During a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, CBD stones could be demonstrated postoperatively in 3 patients (0.3%). No mortality was observed in this series. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this selective policy included the expected outcome of a significant reduction in the number of ERCPs performed from 29 to 12.8% (p < 0.001, chi(2) test) and a better yield of stones, from 29 to 76.2% of the patients. The mortality of the procedure decreased from 2 to 0% whereas morbidity remained the same. This selective policy seems adequate for the preoperative assessment of CBD stones.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and cholangiography in the laparoscopic era.

OBJECTIVE: The authors reviewed the results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and intraoperative cholangiography in a series of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The indications for preoperative and postoperative ERCP and intraoperative cholangiography as adjuncts to laparoscopic cholecystectomy are evolving. The debate regarding the use of selective or routine intraoperative cholangiography has intensified with the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The authors reviewed the records of 343 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during a 1-year period. Historical, biochemical, and radiologic findings for the patients who underwent ERCP and intraoperative cholangiography were analyzed. RESULTS: Three hundred forty- three patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the period reviewed. Preoperative ERCP was performed in 42 patients. Twenty-seven of these patients (64%) had common bile duct (CBD) stones, which were cleared with a sphincterotomy. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed for 101 patients (29%). Three cholangiograms had false- positive results (3%), leading to two CBD explorations, in which no CBD stones were found, and one normal ERCP. Six patients underwent postoperative ERCP, three for the removal of retained CBD stones (0.9%), all of which were cleared with a sphincterotomy. Fifteen patients had gallstone pancreatitis, six of whom had CBD stones (40%) that were cleared by ERCP. There were 33 complications (10%) and no CBD injuries. CONCLUSION: The use of routine intraoperative cholangiography is discouraged in view of its low yield and the significant rate of false positive cholangiogram results.     

ERCP in association with laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background With the evolution of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as the standard operation for benign gallbladder disease, the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has to be defined. Methods From November 1990 to April 1994 we attempted LC in 1,788 patients. Eighty-nine patients underwent ERCP preoperatively under the following indications: jaundice or a history of jaundice, cholangitis, gallstone pancreatitis, abnormal liver function tests, and a sonogram showing either CBD stones or a dilated CBD. With intent to minimize the number of unnecessary ERCPs only patients with jaundice, cholangitis, and high abnormalities on the liver function tests (LFTs) were directly referred for ERCP. All other patients with suspected choledocholithiasis were initially investigated with intravenous cholangiography (IVC) and tomography; only patients with positive findings on IVC subsequently underwent ERCP. Eighteen patients underwent ERCP postoperatively and the indications included jaundice, bile leak, and abnormal intraoperative cholangiogram. Results Of the 89 patients having ERCP preoperatively 54 patients (60.7%) were found to have CBD stones which were removed endoscopically in all cases except in one patient where a large CBD stone was removed during laparoscopic exploration of the CBD. Eight patients of the 18 patients having ERCP postoperatively were found to have CBD stones and all of them had their CBD cleared endoscopically. There were no mortalities, while four patients developed a mild pancreatitis. Conclusions Although there is an increasing tendency to clear the bile duct with a laparoscopic approach, ERCP and sphincterotomy has a certain role in conjunction with LC in the management of patients with a high suspicion of CBD stones, particularly in institutions where there is easy access to expert interventional endoscopic techniques.     

Intraoperative cholangiography and postoperative pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) can cause postoperative pancreatitis. METHODS: We studied the relationship between IOC and pancreatitis by reviewing the case histories of 500 patients (1992-97) who underwent cholecystectomy at our institution. In 82% of cases, the cholecystectomies were done laparoscopically, whereas, 7% were converted to an open procedure. An IOC was performed in 435/500, or 87%. During these studies, common bile duct (CBD) stones (or the possibility of a stone) were noted in 14% of the cases. An intraoperative CBD investigation was required in nine of 435 cases or 8.5%, while 28/435 (9.2%) underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). RESULTS: Follow-up was available in 90% of our patients (452/500). We found six cases of postoperative pancreatitis; only three of 452 (0.6%) occurred <1 year after cholecystectomy. None of these patients had a preoperative history of pancreatitis. In all six cases, there appeared to be an etiology for the pancreatitis unrelated to IOC. CONCLUSION: We could find no statistical association between IOC and postoperative pancreatitis. Postoperative pancreatitis is uncommon at our institution, where routine IOC is employed. Therefore, we conclude that IOC does not cause pancreatitis.     

Single-stage definitive laparoscopic management in mild acute biliary pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies have shown that nearly one third of patients with acute biliary pancreatitis undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (two-stage approach). The present study was designed to evaluate the safety of single-stage laparoscopic management to avoid preoperative ERCP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1998 and June 2002, 35 female patients and 10 male patients (median age, 59 years) with uncomplicated mild acute biliary pancreatitis were studied prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. LC with fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) or with fluoroscopic IOC and laparoscopic CBD exploration in cases of concomitant choledocholithiasis was performed as the definitive treatment (single-stage approach). Patients underwent surgery electively when symptoms had subsided and laboratory parameters had improved. RESULTS: LC alone was performed in 39 patients, and an additional laparoscopic CBD exploration was performed in the remaining six. In one patient, IOC yielded a false-positive result. CBD stones were detected in four cases, and debris in the CBD in one case, for an 11% incidence of concomitant choledocholithiasis. The conversion rate was zero, and single-stage laparoscopic treatment was successful in all cases. The overall morbidity rate was 4%. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was zero. CONCLUSION: Although preoperative ERCP and sphincterotomy still have a role in complicated cases of mild acute biliary pancreatitis, laparoscopic single-stage definitive treatment is feasible and safe in uncomplicated cases of disease when local experience is available.     

Current management of common bile duct stones in a teaching community hospital

The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has complicated management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. While LC is routine, laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) is not, and an algorithm to manage suspected choledocholithiasis has not been uniformly accepted. We evaluated current management of choledocholithiasis. Patients suspected of having CBD stones over a 2-year period were evaluated, and 42 studies in the literature were reviewed. Thirty-two patients were identified. Fourteen patients (44%) had LC with intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) with no preoperative studies. IOC revealed CBD stones in nine (64%). Seven had CBD exploration (CBDE) at cholecystectomy, and two had postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). CBDE was successful in five cases, and ERCP was successful in one. Eighteen patients (56%) underwent preoperative ERCP. Five (28%) had no CBD stones. ERCP removed stones in nine patients, and four had open CBDE after failed ERCP. Current literature supports LC with IOC without any preoperative studies. Laparoscopic CBDE is highly successful but depends on surgeon experience. Removing CBD stones with ERCP is also very successful but is associated with increased cost, hospital stay, and complications. We conclude that LC with IOC should be performed without preoperative ERCP when choledocholithiasis is suspected. If found, stones should be removed laparoscopically if possible.     

Timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of choledocholithiasis

Although experience with laparoscopic approaches to common duct stones is increasing, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed either before or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains the most common approach. Debate remains as to the best timing for ERCP in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Because clinical, laboratory, and radiological data are poor predictors of choledocholithiasis, many ERCPs done before LC give negative results. ERCP performed after LC with a positive intraoperative cholangiogram (i.o.p.) would eliminate many unnecessary preoperative endoscopic studies. This is a retrospective analysis of the treatment of choledocholithiasis with the combination of LC and ERCP. All patients included could have had ERCP preoperatively or postoperatively; therefore, those with cholangitis requiring emergent preoperative ERCP were excluded. Two groups of patients were compared: those who underwent ERCP followed by LC and those who underwent LC and IOC followed by ERCP. No significant differences were found with respect to age, gender, health status, clinical presentation, laboratory values (most liver functions, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and serum amylase), surgery time, blood loss, ERCP time, time between treatment modalities, and days to regular diet. However, the preoperative ERCP group was found to have a longer hospital stay (6.7 days vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.003) and higher hospital cost ($9,406.39 vs. $12,816.23, p = 0.05). The preoperative ERCP group had two patients requiring two ERCPs to clear the common duct, one patient requiring conversion to open procedure because of failed LC, and four minor complications. The postoperative ERCP group had no failed LC, IOC, or postoperative ERCPs and one minor complication. The rate of false positive IOC was 6.7% and of negative preoperative ERCP, 43%. We conclude that in the absence of cholangitis requiring emergent endoscopic decompression, suspected choledocholithiasis can be successfully managed first with LC, ERCP being reserved for patients with a positive IOC. This eliminates many negative preoperative ERCPs.     

The utility of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the treatment of choledocholithiasis

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) was performed in 24 patients over a 23-month period. Fourteen of these patients were suspected preoperatively of harboring common bile duct (CBD) calculi. Of these, endoscopic sphincterotomy was unsuccessful in eight. Laparoscopic CBDE was performed either transcystically or via a choledochotomy. In all cases, completion cholangiography demonstrated that the CBD was free of stones. All patients were sent home with drains placed in their extrahepatic biliary system. Mean hospital stay was 2.7 days. There was no mortality. The overall morbidity rate was 29.1%. It included one trocar site infection (4.1%), four cases of mild postoperative amylasemia (16.6%), and two cases of retained stones (8.3%) seen in two patients on follow-up tube cholangiography that were successfully extracted percutaneously. The authors feel that laparoscopic CBDE is a safe and effective method of CBD stone removal that offers an alternative to preoperative ERCP and sphincterotomy.     

Changes in gallbladder surgery: Comparative study 4 years before and 4 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Operative procedures on the gallbladder and biliary ducts have undergone a profound transformation since the introduction of laparoscopic techniques in general surgery. As the benefits of minimally invasive procedures become universally known, patients are seeking surgery at an earlier stage, resulting in an increased number of cases for elective surgery and a considerable reduction in emergency operations, morbidity, need for intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), fewer common bile duct (CBD) explorations, shortened hospital stay, and reduced overall costs. The early criteria for IOC and the need for CBC explorations must be reevaluated in view of the observed changes and appropriate modifications made. Looking at the present trends, it seems that the routine use of IOC is not justified in the average patient who presents for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with no history of jaundice or pancreatitis, normal liver function tests, and a normal-size CBD on ultrasonography. Under those conditions, the chance of leaving an unsuspected stone in the CBD is less than 1%; and if it happens the stone can be easily retrieved by endoscopic sphincterotomy as an outpatient procedure.     

Endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and effective

Management strategy for common bile duct (CBD) stones is controversial with several treatment options if stones in the CBD are recognized intraoperatively. The aim of this study was to report our experience with same-session combined endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment of gallbladder and CBD stones. We retrospectively evaluated 31 patients with cholecystolithiasis and CBD stones undergoing same-session combined endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and endoscopic stone extraction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Same-session ERCP and sphincterotomy were performed in all patients, and stone extraction was successfully performed in 29 patients (93%) with 2 failures (7%) due to impacted stones. In 8 patients (26%), the laparoscopic procedure was converted to open cholecystectomy because of dense adhesions or unclear anatomy. Two patients (7%) developed mild pancreatitis postoperatively and no other morbidity or mortality. In conclusion, same-session ERCP with stone extraction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for CBD stones.     

The theory of ''persisting'' common bile duct stones in severe gallstone pancreatitis.

There have been uncertainties as to the role of common bile duct (CBD) stones in severe gallstone pancreatitis. In order to resolve this, ERCP findings in 131 patients with acute pancreatitis were compared with predicted severity, clinical course and final outcome. Significant associations were found between 'persisting' CBD stones, coincidental acute cholangitis, predicted severity and actual outcome. There was evidence for acute obstruction of both the CBD and the pancreatic duct by CBD stones. The theory was therefore proposed that small migrating stones tend to initiate the attack, whereas larger 'persisting' stones tend to convert a mild attack into a severe attack. This hypothesis resolves previously irreconcilable theories and lends support to the use of urgent endoscopic sphincterotomy for treatment, but only in cases predicted to be severe.     

Acute biliary pancreatitis: Diagnosis and management

Acute biliary pancreatitis is a serious complication of biliary calculous disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis has been the focus of discussion in recent years. In addition, the exact role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis has not yet been fully defined. In this report, we evaluated a protocol of emergency ERCP (within 24 hours) for predicted severe attacks, early ERCP (within 72 hours) for predicted mild attacks, and interval LC for management of acute biliary pancreatitis. Between January 1992 and June 1995 a total of 75 patients with acute biliary pancreatitis were managed according to the protocol. Bedside ultrasonography at admission diagnosed 94% of all 64 patients with gallbladder stones, but the sensitivity of visualizing choledocholithiasis was low (19%). Forty-five (60%) of them were predicted to have a severe attack by either Ranson or glucose/urea criteria. Emergency ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for identifiable common bile duct (CBD) or ampullary stones were performed on all patients predicted to have a severe attack within 24 hours from presentation. An early endoscopic procedure was performed on all patients predicted to have a mild attack within 72 hours from presentation. ERCP was successful in 95% of all patients, and CBD stones were detected in 52 (69%) of them. ES and stone clearance were successful in all of these 52 patients. The morbidity associated with the endoscopic procedure was 3%, and there were no deaths. All except one patient survived the attack of acute pancreatitis, resulting in an overall mortality of 1%. Interval LC was performed on 46 patients with a conversion rate of 4%. The median postoperative hospital stay after LC was 2 days, and there was no major intraoperative or postoperative morbidity or mortality. Our experience suggests that the policy of emergency ERCP for patients with predicted severe disease, early ERCP for patients with predicted mild disease, and interval LC are associated with favorable outcomes in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. Acute biliary pancreatitis can be managed safely and effectively by a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach.     

The use of ERCP in the management of common bile duct stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications and results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for gallstone disease since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In our personal series of 410 consecutive cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we found 17 common bile duct (CBD) stones; seven were identified by preop ERCP, nine at laparoscopy by intraoperative cholangiography, and one postop by ERCP. We have performed preop ERCP in 21 patients (5.1%); CBD stones were found in seven. Our indications for preop ERCP were elevated liver function tests, dilatation of the common duct by ultrasound, or a history of jaundice/pancreatitis, and all stones were successfully removed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. At laparoscopic cholecystectomy nine patients were found to have stones; one was treated with laparoscopic methods, four with open CBD exploration, and four by postop endoscopic sphincterotomy. Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy, five patients underwent ERCP for pain or increased liver function tests suggestive of common duct stones. One of the five was found to have stones and these were successfully removed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. ERCP is very useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients with suspected CBD stones. Elevated liver function tests and dilated CBD by ultrasound are the most accurate predictors of stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a more effective route, at present, for stone removal than a laparoscopic approach.