ROUTINE USE OF ULTRASOUND 24 HOURS BEFORE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY CAN PREDICT THE NEED FOR INTRAOPERATIVE CHOLANGIOGRAM: RESULTS OF A 12-MONTH PROSPECTIVE AUDIT

Intraoperative cholangiograms and exploration of the common bile duct (CBD) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are technically more demanding than during open cholecystectomy. This has led to many surgeons using a selective policy for cholangiography. In this study we prospectively assessed whether biliary ultrasound (CBD diameter ≥6 mm) or one or more abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) performed in the 24 hours preoperatively could predict the need for cholangiography. Forty-five patients were studied (14 male, 31 female), mean age 47.8 years. All patients with one or both tests abnormal preoperatively (19 patients) underwent intraoperative cholangiograms. Seven CBD stones were identified (16%). There was no evidence of CBD stones in patients not undergoing cholangiography at a median follow-up of 18 months. In patients with stones, three underwent open CBD exploration, and four underwent endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy in the early postoperative period without complications. CBD diameter ≥6 mm is a useful predictor of CBD stones. These may be treated successfully by postoperative ERCP.     

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.     

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。     

Endoscopic papillotomy in biliary tract pain and fluctuating cholestasis with common bile duct dilatation and small gallbladder stones.

In patients suspected of having functional disorders of the papilla it is often difficult to establish the indications whether or not to perform endoscopic papillotomy (EP). We report on thirty-two consecutive patients referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography who all had longstanding biliary tract pain and episodes of liver enzyme elevation indicating cholestasis. Further features were: 1) a dilated common bile duct (CBD) after cholecystectomy (n = 11) or 2) a dilated CBD without or with larger (greater than cystic duct diameter) gallbladder stones (n = 6) or 3) multiple small gallbladder stones, with a normal or dilated CBD, in patients with signs of acute gallstone pancreatitis or in whom elective cholecystectomy was not indicated (n = 15). No CBD stones, organic obstruction or other disorders were found in these patients. Without further diagnostic procedures, EP was routinely performed. The laboratory (up to 3 months) and clinical findings (2 to 4 years follow up) showed improvement in all patients undergoing EP. We conclude that immediate EP appears justified in these selected patients.     

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.     

Diagnosis and therapy of common bile duct stones in a patient with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to radiologic contrast media --a case report]

Common bile duct (CBD) stones may occur in patients who had been previously cholecystectomized because of gallbladder stones. CBD stones occur in 15%-20% of patients with symptoms secondary to cholecystolithiasis. After cholecystectomy they occur in 1%-5% of patients, either in the form of retained or recurrent choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a novel and excellent diagnostic screening procedure for common bile duct stones. Numerous reports confirm an equal success rate for endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, unanimity of opinion with respect to the best diagnostic procedure for the detection of CBD stones does not exist to date. We report a 74-year-old female patient with CBD stones, who was shown to have a severe allergy to X-ray contrast medium at a previous examination. In view of the pre-existing contraindication for ERCP, we diagnosed the stones by EUS. The majority of patients would require ERCP for endoscopic treatment, but our patient rejected the administration of contrast medium as well as conventional surgical treatment. After introducing a guide wire into the bile duct to assure its position, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) without contrast imaging was performed successfully. The CBD stones were extracted with a basket. Based on our results we believe that EUS ranks as an important procedure in the diagnosis of CBD stones, and that successful endoscopic treatment can be performed without previous ERCP. We do realize that EST without ERCP in unsuitable as a routine procedure, but may be used successfully in specific cases such as that of the patient reported here.     

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.     

Biliary lithiasis: combined endoscopic and surgical treatment

A combined endoscopic and surgical procedure was performed in 69 patients suffering from gallbladder lithiasis with suspected associated lithiasis of the common bile duct (CBD). The procedure was spread over two days: Day 1 - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed choledocholithiasis in 50 cases and papillary sclerosis in 4 cases. In 15 patients, the common bile duct was found to be normal. Fifty-four endoscopic sphincterotomies were performed. Among the 50 cases of choledocholithiasis, endoscopic removal of the stones was judged complete in 44 cases and incomplete in the other 6. Day 2 - Cholecystectomy was carried out in all the patients. Peroperative cholangiography confirmed the results of the pre-operative ERCP with respect to the CBD in all the patients except one, and a choledochotomy was necessary in 6 patients. Results were as follows: The average length of hospitalization was 12.4 days. No residual choledocholithiasis was noted. The morbidity of the procedure was 7.2%, and the mortality 1.4% unrelated to the technique. The diagnostic and therapeutic significance of the procedure is discussed.     

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.     

Common bile duct stones. Detection and removal with endoscopic techniques.

Common bile duct stones are frequently discovered after cholecystectomy or are the first sign of biliary tract disease. Because detection usually requires cholangiography and reoperation is technically difficult, risky, and thus undesirable, nonsurgical methods of identifying and removing the stones have evolved. Among these, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy and stone extraction is the method of choice after cholecystectomy. As newer methods of dealing with biliary disease evolve and alter the spectrum of complications, ERCP will remain an essential diagnostic and management tool.     

Laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) in gastrointestinal surgery.

Intraoperative ultrasonography during abdominal surgery became widespread by availability of high-frequency, high-resolution transducers. It's usefulness has particularly been proven in biliar and gastrointestinal surgery. Our objective was to examine the method in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and in laparoscopic staging of malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract as well. Lapaoscopic ultrasound (LUS) examination was performed in 567 patients operated on because of biliary stones and in 12 patients with carcinoma in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. In accordance to the known criteria endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed in 89 patients, and additionally, ERCP was performed in 58 patients because of dilated common bile duct. Choledochal stones were demonstrated in 72 of the 147 patients. Laparoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated preoperatively undetected bile duct stones in 18 of these patients (12%). In 294 other patients without any criteria of bile duct stones, laparoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated bile duct stones in 11 patients (4%). Laparoscopic ultrasonography in 12 patients with proximal gastrointestinal malignancies demonstrated inoperability in all of the patients. Laparotomy could thereby be avoided. LUS examination is an ideal operative tool as it is safe, reproducible and requires no special patient preparation or positioning. The method of imaging is therefore justified for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery because of biliary stones and gastrointestinal surgery.     

Two-stage treatment with preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) compared with single-stage treatment with intraoperative ERCP for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis with possible choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: An ideal treatment for choledocholithiasis in the laparoscopic era has not been established. The objective of this study was to elucidate whether a treatment strategy of performing intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during laparascopic cholecystectomy (when choledocholithiasis is confirmed by intraoperative cholangiography) is better for patients with suspected common bile duct stones than the current strategy (preoperative ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study to evaluate which of these two approaches was most benefit- and cost-effective for patients with intermediate risk of choledocholithiasis. Patients underwent either preoperative ERCP followed by a laparoscopic cholecystectomy a few weeks later (the "preoperative ERCP" group) or intraoperative ERCP (the "intraoperative ERCP" group). Intraoperative ERCP was performed using the rendezvous technique. RESULTS: There were 64 patients in the preoperative ERCP group and 59 patients in the intraoperative ERCP group. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar, except that the bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels and the number of patients treated on an inpatient basis were higher in the preoperative ERCP group. Success rates were similar (96.6 % in the preoperative ERCP group vs. 90.2 % in the intraoperative ERCP group in the per-protocol study). Total morbidity, post-ERCP morbidity, and post-ERCP acute pancreatitis rates were higher in the preoperative ERCP group, but there were no differences between the two groups in the frequency of residual common bile duct stones, the conversion rate to open cholecystectomy, or surgical morbidity. The length of hospital stay and costs were lower in the intraoperative ERCP group despite the longer surgical times in this group. Univariate analysis did not find any relationship between morbidity and total bilirubin or GGT. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that morbidity was related only to the treatment group and the time spent in the operating room: the relative risk (RR) was 4.37 for morbidity and 1.015 for the time spent in the operating room); the RR for papillotomy was 5.49. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment approaches were equally effective but the intraoperative ERCP group had less morbidity, a shorter hospital stay, and reduced costs. The lower morbidity in the intraoperative ERCP group resulted from the lower rate of papillotomy and lower rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Total morbidity was principally related to the type of treatment approach used.     

内镜逆行胰胆管造影术及括约肌切开术在腹腔镜胆囊切除手术前后的应用

目的总结内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）和内镜括约肌切开术（EST）在腹腔镜胆囊切除术（LC）手术前后对胆总管结石的诊断和治疗效果。方法对68例LC术前、术后合并或可疑胆总管结石的患者行ERCP。结果 LC术前发现胆总管结石42例,EST清除39例,清除率92.9%（39/42）;LC术后发现胆总管结石7例,EST清除7例,清除率100%（7/7）。结论 ERCP、EST对于LC术前术后胆总管结石的诊断和治疗是一种准确、安全、有效的微创方法,并对于后期的结石再发具有可重复操作性。     

Diagnostic pitfalls in the cholangiographic diagnosis of choledochoceles: cholangiographic quality and its effect on visualization

Background: We wanted to establish reasonable cholangiographic diagnostic criteria by determining the sensitivity of cholangiography in detecting choledochoceles and those factors that could compromise visualization of choledochoceles. Methods: Over 4 years, 21 patients (seven male, 14 female; mean age = 67 years) were confirmed as having choledochoceles on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Cholangiographic diagnosis was made by following three criteria: a radiolucent halo around the distal common bile duct (CBD), bulbous dilatation of the distal CBD, and the presence of sequential morphologic changes on serial cholangiography. Any two or more combinations of these three criteria were considered enough to diagnose a choledochocele on cholangiography. We compared cholangiographic imaging findings with the ERCP results. Results: Of 21 patients with choledochoceles, nine (43%) were correctly diagnosed on cholangiography. A radiolucent halo was present in six (28%) patients; four of these cases showed optimal duodenal filling, one showed faint duodenal filling, and one showed poor duodenal filling. The shapes of the distal CBD were bulbous, conelike, and blunt. Morphologic changes such as collapsing and bulging of the choledochocele could be seen in 12 (57%) patients on serial cholangiography. Waists were seen in 11 (52%), pseudowebs in four (19%), and wrinkling of the distal CBD in seven (33%). Conclusion: Cholangiography should be obtained with optimal timing and adequate conditions to diagnose choledochocele correctly. Received: 20 January 2000/Revision accepted: 31 May 2000     

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.     

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。     

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.     

Intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Common bile duct (CBD) compression can be caused by stones in the cystic duct (Mirizzi syndrome) which can be difficult to diagnose even with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Conventional imaging often gives insufficient information and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and magnetic resonance imaging may improve diagnostic accuracy, but often the final diagnosis is made during exploratory surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing ERCP during a 3-year period were prospectively analyzed if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria: gallbladder in situ; obstructive jaundice with CBD stenosis, demonstrated at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), but unexplained at ultrasonography; and inability to demonstrate the cystic duct during ERC. Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) was carried out over a guide wire using a 20-MHz probe. Prior to ERCP, patients were evaluated with abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT), as well as by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or EUS in some. RESULTS: 74 patients out of 2089 undergoing ERCP fulfilled the entry criteria. Final diagnoses, from surgical exploration (n = 41), cytology (n = 21), or endoscopic extraction of stones from the cystic duct (n = 12), were Mirizzi syndrome (type I) in 30 patients and other causes in 44 patients (gallbladder carcinoma [n = 16], pancreatic carcinoma [n = 9], metastatic compression [n = 9], other [n = 10]). CT had shown suspected Mirizzi syndrome in 1/30 cases (3 %) and MRCP in 12/19 evaluated cases (63 %). EUS allowed a correct diagnosis in 11 of 15 evaluated cases (73 %). IDUS required an additional 8 +/- 3 min and showed a sensitivity of 97 % and specificity of 100 %. CONCLUSION: IDUS is a sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome.     

胆道微结石在急性胆管炎中的临床意义

目的:探讨胆道微结石在急性胆管炎中的临床意义。方法:收集54例急性胆管炎患者,通过经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)或内镜鼻胆管引流术(ENBD)收集胆汁,通过普通和偏振光显微镜查找微结石。结果:54例急性胆管炎患者中,3例ERCP失败,其余均插管成功。其中35例胆总管结石或扩张,4例胆总管下端炎性狭窄,12例未见明显异常。在35例胆总管结石中,29例发现胆道微结石,4例胆总管炎性狭窄的患者中,3例发现胆道微结石。在12例ERCP阴性胆管炎患者中,9例发现了胆道微结石(大多为胆固醇单水结晶),3组之间两两比较,差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:(1)在急性胆管炎中,ERCP联合微结石检测可以提高胆道结石的诊断率。(2)胆道微结石与急性胆管炎的发病密切相关。     

术中胆道造影在LC中应用探讨

目的:探讨选择性经胆囊管胆道造影在腹腔镜胆囊切除术中的应用价值。方法:有选择性地对72例行腹腔镜胆囊切除的病人,在术中经胆囊管胆道造影,并对其临床资料进行分析。结果:术中造影发现胆囊管变异13例(18%),胆总管结石8例(11.1%),中转开腹3例(4.1%),无胆管损伤。结论:腹腔镜胆囊切除术中选择性胆道造影可以减少胆囊残余、残留胆总管结石、胆管损伤,从而提高腹腔镜胆囊切除术的质量和安全性。