Choledochoscopy in exploration of the common bile duct

The technique of operative fibreoptic choledochoscopy is described; the results are reported in 88 patients with gallstones requiring exploration of the common bile duct. There were no cases of retained calculi that were endoscopically undetected. Postoperative T-tube cholangiography was carried out in 81 cases and confirmed the findings of operative biliary endoscopy in all cases. Choledochoscopy is an accurate and safe operative procedure which can eliminate the problem of undetected residual calculi.     

Choledochoscopy in prevention of retained common bile duct stones

More than 150,000 patients undergo exploration of the common bile duct each year in the United States, and approximately 10 per cent of these patients are later found to have retained common bile duct stones. The usual recommended procedure to decrease the incidence of retained calculi is a more complete exploration of the common duct at time of initial operation. It is thought that the incidence of retained common bile duct stones can be decreased and almost eliminated with proper use of the flexible choledochoscope following intraoperative cystic duct cholangiogram. The technical aspects of choledochoscopy are reviewed and experience with its use in 102 cases between July 1978 and October 1985 is reported. There were no residual stones in the span of the study using the flexible choledochoscope as a routine procedure in common bile duct exploration.     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Surgical Endoscopy -     

腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管探查术与胆总管探查并一期缝合术治疗胆总管结石的对比研究

目的:比较腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管探查术(LTCBDE)与经胆总管探查(LCBDE)+胆道一期缝合术治疗胆总管结石的效果。方法:回顾性分析2013年1月—2015年12月期间应用微创手术治疗的104例胆总管结石的患者临床资料,其中50例行LTCBDE(LTCBDE组)与54例行LCBDE+胆道一期缝合术(LCBDE+一期缝合组),比较两组的相关临床指标。结果:与LCBDE+一期缝合组比较,LTCBDE组手术时间(91.7 min vs.110.9 min)、术中出血量(15.5 mL vs.17.4 mL)、术后引流量(28.4 mL vs.44.6 mL)、带管时间(7.8 d vs.9.7 d)、住院时间(8.8d vs.10.6d)均明显减少(均P0.05);LTCBDE组术后胆汁漏的发生率明显低于LCBDE+一期缝合组(2.0%vs.13.0%,P=0.036),其他并发症的发生率两组无统计学差异(均P0.05)。结论:LTCBDE治疗胆总管结石安全可靠的,且较LCBDE+胆道一期缝合术更符合微创的目的,在两种术式的适应证均满足的情况下,可优先考虑。     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

In recent years, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has become the procedure of choice in the management of choledocholithiasis in several laparoscopic centers. The increasing interest for this laparoscopic approach is due to the development of instrumentation and technique, allowing the procedure to be performed safely, and it is also the result of the revised role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, which has been questioned because of its cost, risk of complications and effectiveness. Many surgeons, however, are still not familiar with this technique. In this article we discuss the technique and results of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Both the laparoscopic transcystic approach and choledochotomy are discussed, together with the results given in the literature. When one considers the costs, morbidity, mortality and the time required before the patient can return to work, it would appear that laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration is more favorable than open surgery or laparoscopic cholecystectomy with preoperative or postoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy. However, the technique requires advanced laparoscopic skills, including suturing, knot tying, the use of a choledochoscope, guidewire, dilators and balloon stone extractor. Although laparoscopic common bile duct exploration appears to be the most cost-effective method to treat common bile duct stones, it should be emphasized that this procedure is very challenging, and it should be performed by well-trained laparoscopic surgeons with experience in biliary surgery.     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) with high clearance rates, low morbidity, and mortality rates. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: LCBDE is well accepted by patients because treatment is obtained during the same anesthesia. If one stage therapy for gallstones and common bile duct stones provides success rates equivalent to those of the sequential approach, with lower costs, this should be considered the standard of care. METHODS: From September 1991 to March 2007, 5201 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed at S?o José Avaí Hospital. LCBDE was carried out in 481 patients (9.25%). RESULTS: Of 481 LCBDE, 225 (46.78%) were managed using a transcystic approach and 183 (38.05%) with choledochotomy (114 with transcystic choledochotomy and 69 with longitudinal opening of the common bile duct). Successful laparoscopic stone clearance was achieved in 468 (97.3%). An elective postsurgical endoscopic sphincterotomy were done on the 13 (2.70%) patients not cleared laparoscopically. Seven patients had unexpected retained stones. CONCLUSIONS: LCBDE during laparoscopic cholecystectomy solves 2 problems during the same anesthesia with high success rates and may be employed successfully.     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background: Herein I describe my >12-year experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Methods: From 21 September 1989 through 31 December 2001, 3,580 patients presented with symptomatic biliary tract disease. Laparoscopic cholecystecomy (LC) was attempted in 3,544 of them (99.1%) and completed in 3,527 (99.5%). Laparoscopic cholangiograms (IOC) were performed in 3,417 patients (96.4%); in 344 cases (9.7%), the IOC was abnormal. Forty-nine patients (1.4%) underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and 33 patients (0.9%) underwent postoperative ERCP. LCBDE was attempted in 326 cases and completed in 321 (98.5%). It was successful in clearing the duct in 317 of the 344 patients with abnormal cholangiograms (92.2%). Results: The mean operating time for all patients undergoing LC with or without cholangiograms or LCBDE or other additional surgery was 56.9 min. Mean length of stay was 22.1 h. The mean operating time for LC only patients (n = 2530)—that is, those not undergoing LCBDE or any other additional procedure—was 47.6 min; their mean postoperative length of stay was 17.2 h. Ductal exploration was performed via the cystic duct in 269 patients, (82.5%) and through a choledochotomy in 57 patients (17.5%). T-tubes were used in patients in whom there was concern for possible retained debris or stones, distal spasm, pancreatitis, or general poor tissue quality secondary to malnutrition or infection. In cases where choledochotomy was used, a T-tube was placed in 38 patients (67%), and primary closure without a T-tube was done in 19 (33%). There were no complications in the group of patients who underwent choledochotomy and primary ductal closure without T-tube placement or in the group in whom T-tubes were placed. Conclusions: Common bile duct (CBD) stones still occur in 10% of patients. These stones are identified by IOC. IOC can be performed in >96.4% of cases of LC. LCBDE was successful in clearing these stones in 97.2% of patients in whom it was attempted and in 92.2% of all patients with normal IOCs. Most LCBDEs in this series were performed via the cystic duct because of the stone characteristics and ductal anatomy. Selective laparoscopic placement of T-tubes in patients requiring choledochotomy (67%) appears to be a safe and effective alternative to routine T-tube drainage of the ductal system. ERCP, which was required for 5.8% of patients with abnormal cholangiograms, and open CBDE, which was used in 2.0%, still play an important role in the management of common bile duct pathology. The role of ERCP, with or without sphincterotomy, has returned to its status in the prelaparoscopic era. LCBDE may be employed successfully in the vast majority of patients harboring CBD stones.     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration is gaining favor in the treatment of patients with gallstones and CBD stones. Our aim is to report our results with this procedure, focusing on the technical aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with proven CBD stones undergo laparoscopic transcystic CBD exploration, preferably, or a choledochotomy if the former is not feasible. According to CBD stone load and diameter, a biliary drainage tube is positioned for postoperative biliary decompression. RESULTS: Among 284 patients who underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration, 4 (1.4%) were converted to open surgery. Transcystic CBD exploration was feasible in 163 cases (58.2%), but a choledochotomy was required in 117 (41.8%). Biliary drains were positioned in 204 patients (72.8%). Minor complications included hyperamylasemia (11; 3.9%) and minor subhepatic bile collection (7; 2.5%). Major complications were bile leakage (5; 1.8%), hemoperitoneum from cystic artery bleeding (2; 0.7%), subhepatic abscess (2; 0.7%), acute pancreatitis (1; 0.3%), and jejunal perforation (1; 0.3%). Retained CBD stones in 15 patients (5.3%) were removed through the biliary drainage sinus tract (8) or after endoscopy and sphincterotomy (6). In one patient, a small stone passed spontaneously (overall success rate 94.6%). Death from a cardiovascular complication was observed in one elderly high-risk patient (0.3%). Recurrent ductal stones in 5 patients (1.8%) were treated with ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy. One patient with re-recurrent ductal stones underwent hepaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic CBD exploration during LC in unselected patients solves two problems during the same anesthesia with high success rates (94.6%), low minor (6.4%) and major (3.8%) morbidity rates, and a low mortality rate (0.3%). Standardization of the technique is mandatory to achieve high success rates.     

腹腔镜下胆总管切开探查在胆管结石中的应用

目的 :总结腹腔镜下胆总管切开探查取石术的临床应用经验 ,探讨其手术方法 ,术中注意事项及临床应用的优缺点。方法 :腹腔镜下胆总管切开取石 ,T管引流或一期缝合。结果 :2 3例胆总管结石手术2 1例成功 ,2例中转开腹。结论 :腹腔镜下胆总管切开取石术应掌握适应证 ,才能使创伤减小 ,康复快且安全。     

Laparoscopic transcystic duct common bile duct exploration

The modern era of common bile duct (CBD) surgery started with Mirizzi, who introduced intraoperative cholangiography in 1932. Intraoperative choledoscopy had been developed as an adjunctive to intraoperative cholangiography, which helped to detect CBD stones in an additional 10% to 15% of instances that otherwise would have been missed. Findings have shown choledochoscopy to be an important technique for efficient and effective management of CBD stones. Efforts to treat patients with common duct stones in one session and to avoid the potential complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy resulted in several laparoscopic transcystic CBD (LTCBDE) techniques. The techniques of transcystic stone extraction include lavage, trolling with wire baskets or biliary balloon catheters, cystic duct dilation, biliary endoscopy, and stone retrieval with wire baskets under direct vision and antegrade sphincterotomy, lithotripsy, and catheter techniques. The indications for LTCBDE are filling or equivocal defects at cholangiography, stones smaller than 10 mm, fewer than 9 stones, and possible tumor. The contraindications are stones larger than 1 cm, stones proximal to the cystic duct entrance into the CBD, small friable cystic duct, and 10 or more stones. Experience with LTCBDE shows that the approach is applicable in more than 85% of cases, with a success rate of 85% to 95%. It also is shown to be more cost effective than postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Recent developments in LTCBDE have focused mainly on implementation of robotically assisted surgery and new imaging methods such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with three-dimensional virtual cholangioscopy and three-dimensional ultrasound. Further technological advances will facilitate the application of laparoscopic approaches to the common duct, which should become the primary strategy for the great majority of patients.     

腹腔镜胆总管切开取石治疗胆总管结石的疗效观察

目前腹腔镜胆囊切除术（laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC）已经成为治疗胆囊炎、胆囊结石的金标准。胆总管结石在我国的发病率较高，占全国胆结石患者的5％～29％，平均18％。我院在成熟开展LC的基础上于2005年9月开展腹腔镜胆总管切开探查取石术（laparoscopic video choledochoibersc opichepatocholangiolitbotomy T—tubedrainage，LCHTD），就其手术经验及疗效分析报道如下。     

二孔法腹腔镜胆总管切开探查治疗胆总管结石

目的探讨二孔法腹腔镜胆总管切开探查治疗胆总管结石的效果。方法对25例胆囊炎症状轻、胆总管周围无粘连显露佳的胆总管结石患者行二孔法腹腔镜胆总管切开探查治疗,并予一期缝合,观察患者的手术和随访情况。结果 2例患者术后出现胆漏,分别经腹腔引流3 d和4 d治愈。21例患者获得随访,术后1年内均无结石复发,无胆管狭窄及胆管炎发作。结论在合理掌握适应证的情况下,二孔法腹腔镜胆总管切开探查、胆总管一期缝合治疗胆总管结石可取得较好的疗效。     

三孔法腹腔镜胆总管探查术

目的探讨三孔法腹腔镜胆总管探查术的临床价值. 方法回顾分析2000年5月～2002年12月三孔法腹腔镜胆总管探查术42例,其中行EST取石失败31例,腹腔镜胆囊切除术中造影发现胆总管结石11例. 结果所有手术均成功,手术时间(122±26.4)min,术后残余结石3例(7%),2例行术后EST取石成功,1例行经T管肝素溶石.术后4～5周拔除T管,无胆漏发生. 结论三孔法腹腔镜胆总管探查术操作安全、可靠,与EST相结合,可以达到较好的治疗效果.     

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

Operative common bile duct exploration, performed in conjunction with cholecystectomy, has been considered the treatment of choice for choledocholithiasis in the presence of an intact gallbladder. With the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the management of common bile duct stones has been affected. More emphasis is being placed on endoscopic sphincterotomy and options other than operative common duct exploration. Because of this increasing demand, we have developed a new technique for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration performed in the same operative setting as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A series of five patients who successfully underwent common bile duct exploration, flexible choledochoscopy with stone extraction, and T-tube drainage, all using laparoscopic technique, is reported. Mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 4.6 days. Outpatient T-tube cholangiography was performed in all cases and revealed normal ductal anatomy with no retained stones. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 4 months, and all patients were asymptomatic and had normal liver function tests.     

腹腔镜下经胆囊管造影网篮胆总管结石取出术

目的探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除时经胆囊管取出胆总管结石的可行性. 方法回顾性分析2003年1月～2004年7月经胆囊管胆道造影18例的临床资料.腹腔镜下切除胆囊之前切开胆囊管,插入造影管行胆道造影,发现胆总管结石后,经胆囊管插入金属网篮,取出胆总管结石. 结果经胆囊管行胆总管造影18例,发现胆总管结石11例,其中2例因结石明显大于胆囊管直径,2例因导管无法经胆囊管进入胆总管,1例因结石嵌顿于壶腹部套篮无法套取结石而放弃腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管结石取出,余6例成功完成腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管结石取出术.6例随访6～18个月,B超检查未发现胆总管结石残留,无胆总管狭窄或扩张. 结论腹腔镜下经胆囊管胆总管结石取出术可作为部分继发性胆总管结石的术中诊断和治疗手段.