MRCP和ERCP在腹腔镜胆囊切除术前检测胆总管结石的诊断价值

目的评价磁共振成像胆胰管造影(MRCP)和内窥镜逆行胆胰管造影(ERCP)在腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)前检测胆总管结石的诊断价值。方法2000年3月至2003年4月腹腔镜胆囊切除病例396例,术前对可疑胆总管结石患者均行MRCP和ERCP检查,术后随访6~12个月,结果应用统计学方法分析。结果MRCP、ERCP对胆总管结石敏感性均为100%,特异性分别为97.5%、100%。结论非胆总管结石患者直接接受LC,胆总管结石可疑患者先行MRCP检查,阳性者进一步ERCP检查。     

Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting as an adjunct to common bile duct exploration

Background: The management of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in the era of operative laparoscopy is evolving. Several minimally invasive techniques to remove CBDS have been described, including preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), postoperative ERCP, lithotripsy, laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration, and laparoscopic choledochotomy with common bile duct exploration (CBDE). Because of the risks and limitations of these procedures, we utilize laparoscopically placed endobiliary stents as an adjunct to CBDE. Methods: Sixteen patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) by either choledochotomy or the transcystic technique with placement of endobiliary stents. These patients were identified during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as having occult choledocholithiasis, using routine dynamic intraoperative cholangiography. Results: CBDS were successfully removed in all patients as demonstrated by completion cholangiography and intraoperative choledochoscopy. Eighty percent of patients were discharged the following day; the first three patients in this series were observed for 48 h prior to discharge. No patient required T-tube placement and closed suction drains were removed the morning after surgery. Stents were removed endoscopically at 1 month. Six- to 30-month follow-up demonstrates no complications to date. Conclusions: Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting reduces operative morbidity, eliminates the complications of T-tubes, and allows patients to return to unrestricted activity quickly. We recommend laparoscopically placed endobiliary stents in patients undergoing LCBDE.     

Clinical models are inaccurate in predicting bile duct stones in situ for patients with gallbladder

Background  The probability that a patient has common bile duct stones (CBDS) is a key factor in determining diagnostic and treatment strategies. This prospective cohort study evaluated the accuracy of clinical models in predicting CBDS for patients who will undergo cholecystectomy for lithiasis. Methods  From October 2005 until September 2006, 335 consecutive patients with symptoms of gallstone disease underwent cholecystectomy. Statistical analysis was performed on prospective patient data obtained at the time of first presentation to the hospital. Demonstrable CBDS at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was considered the gold standard for the presence of CBDS. Results  Common bile duct stones were demonstrated in 53 patients. For 35 patients, ERCP was performed, with successful stone clearance in 24 of 30 patients who had proven CBDS. In 29 patients, IOC showed CBDS, which were managed successfully via laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, with stone extraction at the time of cholecystectomy. Prospective validation of the existing model for CBDS resulted in a predictive accuracy rate of 73%. The new model showed a predictive accuracy rate of 79%. Conclusion  Clinical models are inaccurate in predicting CBDS in patients with cholelithiasis. Management strategies should be based on the local availability of therapeutic expertise.     

Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting significantly improves success of postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in low-volume centers

Background: Occult common bile duct stones (CBDS) discovered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography are most often managed by postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Expert endoscopists at high-volume centers achieve common bile duct cannulation in nearly all patients undergoing ERCP, but cannulation rates of less than 80% have been observed in low-volume centers. As many as 20% of patients with CBDS referred for postoperative ERCP in low-volume centers may require repeated attempts at ERCP, referral to a high-volume center, percutaneous transhepatic techniques, or reoperation for clearance of CBDS when postoperative ERCP fails. Methods: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography performed in 511 consecutive patients over 80 months at a community hospital showed occult CBDS in 66 patients (12.9%). Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement was successful in 65 patients (98.5%). As part of an earlier study, 16 patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with clearance of CBDS before stent placement. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement failed in one patient for whom CBDS were cleared with intraoperative ERCP. Results: Initial postoperative ERCP was successful in clearing CBDS in all 65 patients (100%) with laparoscopically placed stents. During the same period, 611 patients underwent ERCP for various indications including CBDS (43%). Selective cannulation was achieved in 78% of all patients during initial ERCP. Conclusions: Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement is an effective adjunct to the management of occult CBDS. Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting ensures selective cannulation during postoperative ERCP and eliminates the need for repeated attempts at ERCP, referral to specialty centers, use of transhepatic techniques, or reoperation for retained CBDS. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement for treatment of occult CBDS significantly improves the success of postoperative ERCP in low-volume centers and eliminates the morbidity and expense of repeated procedures.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of choledocholithiasis

Surgeons today have a wide range of therapeutic options for the management of patients with choledocholithiasis. Endoscopists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons employ a variety of techniques to access and remove common bile duct stones (CBDS) successfully. Although earlier studies have been done to assess the relative merits of laparoscopic and endoscopic management of CBDS, few of them have employed a randomized prospective trial for the comparison. Without recognized parameters for comparison, no definitive conclusions can be drawn. Herein, we examine the role of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as an important adjunct to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the management of CBDS. The three main scenarios in which this modality is employed for CBDS removal are selective preoperative ERCP, intraoperative ERCP, and postoperative ERCP. We conclude that an appropriate balance must be struck to maintain a high yield of positive or therapeutic ERCP, avoid unnecessary ERCP, and not miss CBDS, while ensuring acceptably low rates of morbidity and mortality and controlling costs. As we await the publication of prospective data, we may look for direction from decision analysis in order to develop optimal management strategies and define the ``best practice' results that should be expected of operators before new procedures and innovative technology are accepted on a widespread basis. Received: 21 July 1999/Accepted: 10 September 1999     

Laparoscopic common bile duct stone clearance with flexible choledochoscopy

Background Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is as safe and efficient as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in achieving bile duct clearance from stones. No clear guidelines are available on LCBDE with respect to indications for trans-cystic approach versus choledochotomy, or regarding when to use either flexible choledochoscopy (FCD) or intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) guidance. Methods From January 2001 until November 2006, 113 consecutive patients with common bile duct stones (CBDS) and gallbladder in situ were enrolled in a prospective non-randomized study to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with LCBDE on an intention-to-treat basis. Twenty-three patients were aged 80 years or older with severe comorbidity. Preoperative ERCP with attempted stone clearance was performed in 24 patients. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was attempted for CBDS in the presence of acute cholecystitis in 24 patients. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was performed via the trans-cystic approach in 83 patients and via choledochotomy in 30 patients. Flexible choledochoscopy was used in 79 patients and IOC guidance in 34 patients. Results No mortality occurred. Postoperative complications were encountered in nine patients. Laparoscopic stone clearance of the bile duct was successful in 91.8% of the patients. Median length of hospital stay (LOS) was two days (range, 0 to 24 days) after trans-cystic LCBDE and six days (range, 2 to 34 days) after stone clearance via choledochotomy (p < 0.0001). Choledochotomy was performed for CBDS measuring an average of 11.5 mm (range, 5 to 30 mm) in diameter while trans-cystic LCBDE was successful for stones measuring an average of 5 mm (range, 2 to 14 mm) (p < 0.0001). Mean duration of surgery was 75 minutes (range, 30 to 180 minutes) when FCD was used, and 107 minutes (range, 45 to 240 minutes) in patients undergoing LCBDE under IOC guidance (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and LCBDE with stone extraction can be performed with high efficiency, minimal morbidity and without mortality. A trans-cystic approach is feasible in most patients, whereas choledochotomy should be restricted to large bile duct stones that cannot be extracted through the cystic duct. The use of flexible choledochoscopy is preferable to IOC guidance.     

The prediction of common bile duct stones using a neural network

Background: The role of preoperative ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in the diagnosis and treatment of suspected common bile duct stones (CBDS) in the laparoscopic age is controversial. The preoperative diagnosis of CBDS by ERCP and the removal of CBDS by ES are advantageous because of technical difficulties in performing laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct. Approximately 50% of preoperative ERCP examinations are normal, however. The noninvasive diagnosis of CBDS has assumed new importance, but it has proved to be an elusive goal. Neural networks are a form of artificial computer intelligence that have been used successfully to interpret ECGs and to diagnose myocardial infarcts. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a neural network could be trained to predict CBDS accurately in patients at high risk of having duct stones.

Study Design: We trained a back-propagation neural network to predict the presence of CBDS. Retrospective data from patients who had a cholecystectomy and either a preoperative ERCP or intraoperative cholangiogram were used to build the network, and it was tested using unseen data.

Results: One hundred forty patients were used to train the network, and 16 patients were used to test it. The trained network was able to predict CBDS in 100% of the patients in both the training and test sets.

Conclusions: Screening of high-risk patients for CBDS by neural network analysis is highly accurate. This promising new, noninvasive, and inexpensive technique can potentially decrease the need for preoperative ERCP by 50%, but additional prospective evaluation is indicated.     

Choledocholithiasis

The best predictors for the presence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) are cholangitis, jaundice, and direct visualization of stones with ultrasound. In the setting of high suspicion of choledocholithiasis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) is indicated because when CBDS are identified, it allows immediate therapy in the same sitting. If there is a moderate probability of choledocholithiasis, endosonography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are the first-line options. In patients with gallbladder stones and CBDS, preoperative ERC with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is widely recommended as a standard approach. The interval between that and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) should be at least 24 h (<6 weeks) to exclude possible complications due to the ERC/ES. In the setting of open cholecystectomy, open bile duct surgery is significantly superior to ERC with sphincterotomy in achieving common bile duct clearance and is the method of choice. Only in centres with advanced laparoscopic expertise is the laparoscopic removal of CBDS an equivalent treatment option.     

胆总管结石行内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术治疗后结石复发的相关危险因素分析

目的对影响胆总管结石（CBDS）患者行内镜下逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）术治疗后结石复发的相关危险因素进行研究并分析。 方法选取2014年3月至2017年3月在上海第六人民医院行ERCP术治疗的患者200例,将术后CBDS复发86例患者作为观察组,术后CBDS未复发114例作为对照组,结合两组患者资料进行单因素分析,对筛选出的危险因素进一步行多因素Logistic回归分析。 结果观察组患者年龄、病程、胆总管直径、有胆道手术史、胆道狭窄、有乳头旁憩室、结石大小（≥10 mm）、结石数量（≥2枚）的例数均显著多于对照组,差异有统计学意义（均P<0.05）;多因素分析显示,年龄、有胆道手术史、乳头旁憩室、结石数量≥2枚、胆总管直径、结石大小（直径≥10 mm）为患者术后复发的独立危险因素（P<0.05）。 结论患者年龄、有既往胆道手术史、合并乳头旁憩室、结石数量≥2枚、胆总管直径≥10 mm是CBDS胰胆管造影术后复发独立危险因素。     

腹腔镜超声对于胆囊切除术中同期治疗胆道结石决策的价值

目的 观察腹腔镜超声(LUS)用于制定胆囊切除术中同期治疗肝内胆管结石及胆总管结石(CBDS)决策的价值。方法 回顾性分析53例明确诊断胆囊结石(GS)并接受择期腹腔镜下胆囊切除术患者,术中根据LUS所见判断有无肝内胆管结石及CBDS,进而决定是否同期行病变部分肝脏切除术和(或)腹腔镜胆总管探查术(LCBDE)。结果 53例均成功切除胆囊,术中LUS检查胆囊结果与术中及术后所见相同,LUS诊断准确率100%(53/53)。24例术前诊断为单纯GS,其中19例术中LUS诊断与术前相符、5例术中LUS诊断为GS合并CBDS而同期行LCBDE;25例术前诊断为GS合并CBDS,其中23例术中LUS诊断与术前相符而同期行LCBDE,2例术中LUS未发现CBDS、术后影像学复查亦未见CBDS;4例术前诊断GS合并肝内胆管结石,其中3例术中LUS所见与术前相符而行部分肝脏切除,1例术中LUS发现CBDS而行部分肝脏切除术+LCBDE。结论 LUS有助于胆囊切除术中同期治疗肝内胆管结石及CBDS制定决策,可及时完善诊断、调整术式并辅助实施手术。     

腹腔镜联合内镜逆行胰胆管造影术治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床体会

目的:探讨内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP)联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的最佳组合方式。方法:回顾分析2007年1月至2012年11月为203例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者行ERCP+内镜乳头括约肌切开术(endoscopic sphincterotomy,EST)联合LC的临床资料。其中138例先行ERCP+EST取出胆总管结石,再行LC(ERCP+LC组);65例先行LC再行ERCP+EST(LC+ERCP组)。对比分析两组手术成功率、总住院时间及并发症情况。结果:两组均无穿孔、出血及重症胰腺炎等严重并发症发生。ERCP+LC组住院时间短[(7.2±2.1)d vs.(8.1±1.9)d],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ERCP+LC组术后胆管残余结石4例,发生急性轻型胰腺炎1例、胆管炎1例,并发症发生率为4.3%;低于LC+ERCP组的12.3%(P<0.05)。结论:对于胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的患者,先行ERCP+EST取石,再行LC,手术并发症较少,住院时间短,是较理想的组合方式。     

Preoperative Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for the Management of Cholecystocholedocholithiasis: 10-Year Experience

Abstract No procedure has yet been identified as the “gold standard” for the detection and treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This prospective study involves 2137 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The algorithm for diagnostic management in place until July 1997 involved routine intravenous cholangiography and selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Subsequently, assessment of the bile duct was not routinely performed, but a scoring system was applied to single out those patients at risk of CBDS who should undergo intravenous cholangiography and/or ERC (see Fig. 2). Whenever bile duct stones were found, endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed, and LC was performed with a standardized four-cannula technique after endoscopic bile duct stone clearance. Common bile duct stones were suspected in 340 patients who were referred for preoperative ERC; 250 patients were referred for ES; 21 patients were referred for open surgery because of failure of ERC or sphincterotomy. Common bile duct stones, detected in 283 cases (13.2%), were removed before surgery in 250 cases (88.3%) and during surgery in 28 cases (9.9%). Self-limited pancreatitis occurred in 4.2% of the patients after sphincterotomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 98.4% of the cases. The conversion rate was 8.3% if sphincterotomy had been performed previously and 3.4% after standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p < 0.001). The morbidity rate was 4.5%; mortality, 0.09%. During follow-up five patients (0.2%) had retained stones endoscopically treated. Future trials of novel strategies for detecting and treating CBDS should compare the results of novel strategies with those of the strategy employed in this study, which includes selective ERC, preoperative ES, and LC.     

Common bile duct stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its treatment

In the present work we recount our experience in handling common bile duct stones (CBDS) in our first 100 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the first 50 cases our diagnostic procedures involved the use of ultrasound exploration and intravenous cholangiotomography 48 h before laparoscopic surgery. We found three cases of residual CBDS. One of the cases was treated by means of ERCP. The other two cases were resolved by carrying out a transparietohepatic cholangiography after the ERCP procedure failed. After this experience, we changed our strategy, introducing the intraoperative cholangiography in the cases with an unclear diagnosis. With this new approach, no residual CBDS occurred in the following 50 cases. These findings demonstrate the following: (1) In our hands, intravenous cholangiography is not more effective than ultrasound exploration in resolving dubious cases. (2) These dubious cases are more effectively diagnosed by means of selective intraoperative cholangiography. (3) When CBDS is treated by transparietohepatic cholangiography it proves to be less uncomfortable for the patient than ERCP and, as we found, even more efficient in removing the stones, although our experience is based on only two cases.     

Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove common bile duct stones during routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not prolong hospitalization: a 2-year experience

Background: There is still some controversy regarding the optimal timing and best method for the removal of common bile duct stones (CBDS). Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (IO-ERCP) is an alternative method that should be considered for this procedure. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical outcome of a single-step procedure (IO-ERCP) to remove CBDS, thereby combining two existing high-volume clinical modalities—i.e., laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and ERCP. Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2001, 674 patients, 192 male and 482 female, underwent cholecystectomy at our hospital. Therewere 612 LC (90.8%), 37 converted procedures (5.5%), and 25 open operations (3.7%). In 592 of the patients, (87.8%) intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was performed. In 34 (5.7%) of those who had and IOC, an IO-ERCP was performed. While the surgeon waited for the endoscopist, care was taken to introduce a thin guidewire through the lOC catheter and pass it through the sphincter of Oddi, out into the duodenum. This complementary procedure greatly facilitated the subsequent cannulation of the bile ducts. Results: The cannulation frequency of the CBD was 100%. Common bile duct stones were successfully extracted in 93.5%. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), followed by the insertion of a plastic endoprosthesis, was performed in two patients with remaining stones. The CBD of these two patients was cleared by postoperative ERCP. None of the patients developed postoperative pancreatitis. The operating time was prolonged as compared with the time for LC (192 vs 110 mins; p < 0.05). The length of hospitalization for IO-ERCP patients did not differ from that for patients undergoing cholecystectomy alone (2.6 vs 2.1. days; NS). Conclusions: The study suggests that elective IO-ERCP is a safe and efficient method for removing CBDS that has a low risk of inducing postoperative pancreatitis and does not prolong postoperative hospitalization. This technique enables perioperative extraction of CBDS without open or laparoscopic surgical exploration of the CBD and can be used safely in a routine clinical setting.     

Consecutive versus separate sessions of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for symptomatic choledocholithiasis

Background

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Patients with proven CBD stones should undergo stone extraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether performing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for symptomatic CBD stones in a single session reduces complications related to postponing treatment due to separate EUS and ERCP sessions, and to assess the safety in both options.

Methods

A total of 151 patients with EUS-proven CBD stones, with subsequent ERCP, treated in our department between January 2005 and December 2011 were included. Complications related to the procedures or sedation and complications due to the CBD stones when EUS and ERCP were not performed in a single session were assessed and compared to complications when the two procedures were performed in one session.

Results

In total, 149 patients of the 151 (98.7 %) had a successful ERCP. Four (5 %) patients in the separate-session group (B) had a major complication compared to none in the single-session group (A) (p > 0.05). Group B received 14 % more midazolam during ERCP than group A (p < 0.05). No sedation-related complications were noted in either group. Eleven of the 80 patients in group B (13.8 %) experienced complications while waiting for ERCP compared to none in group A (p = 0.001, OR = 2.17, CI = 1.06–4.

Conclusions

EUS and ERCP done in a single session proved to be safe, with no increase in sedation- or procedure-related complications. Postponing treatment for symptomatic CBD stones exposes the patient to biliary complications, especially cholangitis.     

ERCP Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Safe and Effective way to Manage CBD Stones and Complications

The efficacy of ERCP in detecting and treating post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy problems was examined in a series of consecutive patients undergoing directed examination of the biliary tree over a two-year period. Three major diagnostic groups were identified: leaks and bile duct injuries (n = 9), retained common bile duct stones (n = 18), and post-cholecystectomy pain (n = 13). These diagnostic groups differed in degree of abnormal bilirubin (p = .004) and time between surgery and ERCP (p = .0005). Diagnosis of a post-operative complication was successful in 92% of attempted cases. Therapy was successful in 92% of attempted cases. Three patients developed mild pancreatitis as a result of ERCP. This series underscores the efficacy of a multi-disciplinary approach to problems which occur after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

腹腔镜联合内镜治疗肝外胆管结石610例

目的 探讨腹腔镜、胆道镜、十二指肠镜联合治疗肝外胆管结石的疗效和技巧.方法 回顾性分析1997年9月至2007年1月采用腹腔镜、胆道镜、十二指肠镜联合治疗610例肝外胆管结石患者的临床资料.单纯胆管结石行ERCP、EST;胆囊结石合并胆总管结石采用腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜、腹腔镜联合胆道镜、三镜联合治疗.结果 610例中成功施行589例,成功率为96.6%.住院时间7～28 d,平均13 d.无胆漏、十二指肠漏、十二指肠乳头出血、急性胆管炎等与内镜操作有关的严重并发症发生.411例随访1～3年,平均13个月,无胆管结石复发及其他并发症发生.结论 单纯胆管结石行ERCP、EST,胆囊结石合并胆总管结石采用腹腔镜联合内镜治疗,效果较好,无内镜相关并发症发生.     

Evaluation of perioperative cholangiography in one thousand laparoscopic cholecystectomies

We analyzed a teaching institution's experience with intra-operative cholangiography (IOCG) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and established an algorithm for their timing and use. The records of all patients undergoing LC during a five year period were reviewed. Patients with a history of jaundice or pancreatitis, abnormal bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or radiographic evidence suggestive of choledocholithiasis were considered "at risk" for common bile duct stones (CBDS). The remaining patients were considered to be at low "risk." LC was attempted on 1002 patients during the study period and successfully completed on 941 (94% of the time). The major complication rate was 3.1% and the common bile duct injury rate 0.1%. Eighty eight (9.5%) patients underwent ERCP, 67 in the preoperative period and 19 in the postoperative period. IOCG was attempted in 272 (24%) patients and completed in 234 for a success rate of 86%. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOCG) and preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were equivalent in the detection of CBDSs Twelve of the 21 patients (57%) with IOCG positive for stones underwent successful laparoscopic clearance of the common duct, and did not require postop. ERCP. No patients were converted to an open procedure for common bile duct exploration. Because postoperative ERCP was 100% successful in clearing the common duct, reoperation for retained common bile duct stones was not necessary. IOCG is an alternative procedure to ERCP for patients at risk with biochemical, radiological, or clinical evidence of choledocholithiasis. The incidence of CBDS in low-risk patients is 1.7%, a risk that does not warrant routine cholangiography. Preoperative ERCP is recommended in cases of cholangitis unresponsive to antibiotics, suspicion of carcinoma, and biliary pancreatitis unresponsive to supportive care. Although IOCG leads to a similar percentage of nontherapeutic studies as preoperative ERCP, it often allows for one procedure therapy.     

Is there a role for routine preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for suspected choledocholithiasis in children?

HYPOTHESIS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently used preoperatively in adult patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Cholelithiasis occurs much less often in children, and the indications for ERCP are not established. We hypothesized that the natural history of choledocholithiasis in children is spontaneous passage of stones through the papilla and that these children can be managed without routine preoperative ERCP. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patients treated over a 10-year period. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: All patients with cholecystectomy for biliary disease. INTERVENTIONS: Cholecystectomy; intraoperative cholangiography for suspected choledocholithiasis: hyperbilirubinemia, gallstone pancreatitis, and ultrasonographic evidence of common bile duct dilation or common bile duct stones; and postoperative ERCP for symptomatic choledocholithiasis: pain and jaundice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and complications of choledocholithiasis and frequency of ERCP. RESULTS: One hundred patients (63 females) were studied. Indications included acute cholecystitis (10%), chronic cholecystitis (59%), gallstone pancreatitis (26%), and choledocholithiasis (5%). An intraoperative cholangiography was performed in 45 patients, and common bile duct stones were identified in 13. Expectant management of asymptomatic common bile duct stones was associated with sonographic resolution within 1 week. One patient with intraoperative cholangiography-proven choledocholithiasis required ERCP for symptoms 24 hours after operation. One additional patient, who did not undergo intraoperative cholangiography, developed symptomatic choledocholithiasis and required ERCP. There were no choledocholithiasis- or ERCP-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that choledocholithiasis occurs frequently in children and that spontaneous passage of common bile duct stones is common. This could explain the relatively high incidence of gallstone pancreatitis. Conservative management of choledocholithiasis is successful in the majority of patients. Routine preoperative or postoperative ERCP is usually not indicated.     

Routine vs ``on demand' postoperative ERCP for small bile duct calculi detected at intraoperative cholangiography

Background: The detection of small and often asymptomatic gallbladder calculi within the bile duct at intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) frequently poses a management dilemma. Therefore, we set out to compare the outcomes and costs of two management strategies for small stones that remain in the bile duct after LC—routine postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) vs observation alone with ``on-demand' ERCP. Methods: We studied 70 patients with bile duct stones among 922 consecutive patients who underwent LC between 1990 and 1997. Data were collected prospectively. Bile duct calculi were detected in 70 of 705 patients (9.9%) with successful IOC. Of these, 44 patients had large calculi (≥5 mm in diameter) and were subjected to a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. The remaining 26 patients had small calculi (<5 mm in diameter); four of them had undergone preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy and duct clearance and were therefore excluded from analysis. Patients with small duct calculi were assigned, according to individual surgeon policy, to either routine postoperative ERCP (group A, n= 8) or observation (group B, n= 14). ERCP was reserved for those who become symptomatic. The two groups were comparable for age and sex distribution. Results: No complications developed during the follow-up period in patients assigned to observation, although four became symptomatic and underwent ERCP. In group A, ERCP demonstrated a clear biliary tree in four patients and bile duct calculi in three patients; it failed in one patient. In group B, ERCP demonstrated a clear bile duct in one patient and bile duct calculi in two patients; it also failed in one patient. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and duct clearance were achieved in all patients with demonstrable bile duct calculi at ERCP. There was no morbidity or mortality associated with ERCP. The overall hospital stay was significantly longer in group A than in group B (median 5 vs 1.5 days; p= 0.011); however, the number of outpatient clinic visits was significantly greater in group b (median 3 vs 5.5, p= 0.011). The mean hospital costs, including the costs of hospital stay, readmissions, ERCP, and follow-up, were significantly greater in group A than in group B (mean ￡2669 vs ￡1508, p= 0.008). Conclusion: A ``wait and see' policy of observation alone for patients with small bile duct calculi detected at IOC during LC appears to be safe, and it is more cost-effective than routine postoperative ERCP. ERCP should be reserved for post-LC patients who become symptomatic. Received: 20 May 1999/Accepted: 24 September 1999/Online publication: 28 September 2000