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。     

Laparoscopic Treatment for Unsuspected Common Bile Duct Stones by Transcystic Sphincter of Oddi Pneumatic Balloon Dilation and Pressure-Washing Technique

Background

Unsuspected common bile duct stones (CBDS) are found in 4–5 % of patients with cholelithiasis. The optimal strategy for the treatment of asymptomatic CBDS, diagnosed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is not yet well established. A one-stage solution is preferable to solve the CBDS during the LC and to avoid the exposure of patients to the risks of a second procedure, such as complications or failure.

Methods

We attempted to remove CBDS by transcystic sphincter of Oddi pneumatic balloon dilation and common bile duct pressure-washing in all cases of intraoperative identification of CBDS since September 2008.

Results

In 29 cases, unsuspected CBDS was identified by intraoperative cholangiography; in 28 cases a single stone with a mean diameter of 4.3 mm (range = 3–6) was detected and in one case three 5–8-mm-diameter stones were identified. Clearance of the common bile duct was obtained in 27 cases (96 %), with a mean operative time of 54 min (range = 36–90) and mean length of hospital stay of 2.5 days.

Conclusion

Treatment of unsuspected CBDS detected by intraoperative cholangiography during LC with this original technique was safe and effective and a viable alternative of the transcystic endoscopic approach.     

How reliable is intraoperative cholangiography as a method for detecting common bile duct stones?

Background  Although intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is a widely used method for detecting common bile duct stones (CBDS), its accuracy has not been fully evaluated in large nonselected patient samples. The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of dynamic IOC regarding its ability to diagnose CBDS in a population-based setting, and to assess the morbidity associated with the investigation. Methods  All patients operated on for gallstone disease between 2003 and 2005 in the county of Uppsala in Sweden, a county with a population of 302,000 in December 2004, were registered prospectively. The outcome of cholangiography was validated against the postoperative clinical course. Results  1171 patients were registered, and among these IOC was performed in 1117 patients (95%). Common bile duct stones were found in 134 patients (11%). One perforation of the common bile duct caused by the IOC catheter was recorded. Sensitivity was 97%, specificity 99%, negative predictive value 99%, positive predictive value 95%, and overall accuracy 99%. In 7 of the 134 cases where IOC indicated CBDS, no stones could be verified on exploration. In 4 of the 979 cases where IOC was normal, the clinical course indicated overlooked CBDS. Conclusion  Intraoperative cholangiography is a safe and accurate method for detecting common bile duct stones.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Ten-year experience with looped catheter manipulation of ureteral calculi

Six hundred sixteen procedures for management of ureteral calculi were reviewed. Five hundred six (82 %) were endoscopic procedures; 207 were looped catheter manipulations and 299 were stone basket extractions. The retrieval efficiency for ureterolithotomy, looped catheter manipulation, and basket extraction was 100, 46, and 71 per cent, respectively. The average size of calculus was 7.9 mm (lithotomy), 6.9 mm (looped catheter), and 4.2 mm (basket). Looped catheters were used for larger stones, for stones higher in the ureter, and for stones that could not be extracted with a basket. The looped catheter can be utilized for stones at any level of the ureter. There was no significant difference in the complications from use of the looped catheter or stone basket, except for a longer hospital stay for patients who had manipulation with looped catheters than with stone baskets.     

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。     

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.     

Evaluation of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones in a prospective series of 505 patients: indications and results

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was the evaluation of the laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS) and its indications. METHODS: Five hundred five patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment of CBDS from October 1990 to September 2006 were included in the prospective study. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (range = 19-93). Four hundred fifteen patients were classified ASA I and ASA II and 90 were ASA III and ASA IV. CBDS were suspected or diagnosed preoperatively in 373 patients (73.8%) and diagnosed at intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in 132 patients (26.2%). A transcystic duct extraction (TCDE) was attempted in 254 patients (50.4%) and a primary choledochotomy in 251 patients (49.6%). Biliary drainage after choledochotomy was used in 148 cases (48.8%). RESULTS: TCDE was successful in 191 cases (75.2%).The 63 failures were managed by laparoscopic choledochotomy in 53 cases and by endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 10 cases. A choledochotomy was thus performed in 304 patients and successful in 295 cases (97%). The nine failures were managed by six conversions to laparotomy (2%) and three postoperative ES. The overall success rate was 96.2%. The morbidity rate was 7.9% with 4.8% of local complications and 3.1% of general complications. The mortality rate was 1%. There were 14 residual stones (2.8%) that were managed by a second laparoscopy in two cases and by ES in 12 cases with four failures managed by laparotomy in one case and laparoscopy in three cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of CBDS was effective in more than 96% of cases and particularly safe in ASA I and ASA II patients. It has the advantage over ES followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LS) to be a one-stage procedure.     

Single-stage laparoscopic treatment of gallstones and common bile duct stones in 120 unselected,consecutive patients

Feasibility, success rate, safety, and shortterm results of single-stage, laparoscopic, transcystic—whenever possible—or choledochotomic treatment of gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones were evaluated in 120 unselected patients.Of 1095 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 120 had ductal stones; among those patients, stones were suspected or proven in 72, 27 of whom were referred after failed endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) performed elsewhere; unsuspected CBD stones were discovered in 48.The procedure was successful in 116 patients. Four patients required conversion to open surgery. The transcystic access was feasible in 77 patients; a choledochotomy was required in 39. Incidence of retained CBD stones was 4.3%. Minor complications, major complications, and mortality were observed in 6.8%, 1.7%, and 0.8% of patients, respectively.Single-stage laparoscopic treatment of gallstones and CBD stones in unselected patients is safe and feasible in the majority of cases, with success rates and short-term results that are not inferior to reported results of ERCP/ES and cholecystectomy.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Orlando, FL, USA, 11–14 March 1995     

Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration.

This study reviews the results of transcystic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) for unsuspected stones found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy by a single surgeon in 150 consecutive patients. Fluoroscopic cholangiography was attempted in all but four patients. If the cholangiogram appeared to show common bile duct (CBD) stones, a 5 Fr, 8-mm ureteral stone basket was passed through the cystic duct into the duodenum, opened, and trolled through the CBD. Routine cholangiography was successful in 131 of 144 attempts (90%). An indication for CBDE was found by cholangiogram in seven patients (5%). Two cholangiograms were falsely positive. Stones were removed in five patients. Completion cholangiograms were normal in all patients. One patient developed mild pancreatitis but was discharged 2 days after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The remainder were discharged on postoperative day 1. One patient was readmitted on postoperative day 2, possibly having passed a retained stone. Fluoroscopic CBDE was successful in clearing the CBD in all patients in this small series and deserves further evaluation.     

Common bile duct stone characteristics: correlation with treatment choice during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Determining the most appropriate management approach for patients with unsuspected choledocholithiasis may be difficult because of the subjective nature of this decision in the absence of clinical data. Treatment of incidental choledocholithiasis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was reviewed during a 25-month period. Operative cholangiograms were analyzed retrospectively to determine if associations exist between common bile duct stone characteristics and the intraoperative treatment selected by the operating surgeon. Cholangiographic data included quantification of common bile duct stones, stone dimension, position, and presence of radiopaque contrast flow into the duodenum. Two hundred thirty-six laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients underwent operative cholangiography; 25 (11%) demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Seven patients were converted to open common bile duct exploration (group I), 16 patients were referred for postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (group II), and two patients were observed (group III). Evaluation of the operative cholangiograms revealed multiple common bile duct stones (> 1) in 86% (6 of 7) in group I, 25% (4 of 16) in group II, and none in group III. All patients in group I had at least one stone larger than 5 ml in greatest diameter, whereas only 33 % (6 of 18) in groups II and III combined had stones larger than 5 ml. Group I had significantly (P = 0.027) more representation of delayed or no contrast flow during operative cholangiography compared to groups II and III. The intraoperative decision to proceed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and rely on postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for stone retrieval rather than open common bile duct exploration was associated with (1) a single common bile duct stone, less than or equal to 5 ml in size on operative cholangiogram and (2) normal contrast flow into the duodenum. Open common bile duct exploration was more frequently associated with the demonstration of multiple or large (>5 ml) stones. A periampullary stone did not discriminate among treatment choices. Presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Southern California Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Santa Barbara, Calif., January 19–21, 1996.     

腹腔镜胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石115例体会

目的探讨腹腔镜胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石的疗效及应用价值。方法应用腹腔镜、胆道镜、钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石115例,经胆总管取石。术后2—3个月经T管窦道再次胆道镜探查及取石。结果顺利完成手术106例,成功率92．2％,9例中转开腹（7．8％）。30例术后Ⅲ级胆管残留结石（26．1％）,8例Ⅱ级胆管残留结石（7．0％）,胆总管无残留结石。经T管窦道胆道镜探查97例,取石27例（27．8％）,其中单纯取石篮套取石19例（19．6％）,再次钬激光碎取石8例（8．2％）。多次镜下取石6例,1例镜下取石多达12次。再次手术3例（2．6％）。结论腹腔镜胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石微创、高效,且安全实用。     

Diagnosis and treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS)

Background: Common bile duct stones (CBDS) are a frequent problem (10–15%) in patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Over the last decade, new diagnostic and surgical techniques have expanded the options for their management. This report of the Consensus Development Conference is intended to summarize the current state of the art, including principal guidelines and an extensive review of the literature. Methods: An international panel of 12 experts met under the auspices of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives for gallstone disease. Prior to the conference, all the experts were asked to submit their arguments in the form of published results. All papers received were weighted according to their scientific quality and relevance. The preconsensus document compiled out of this correspondence was altered following a discussion of the external evidence made available by the panel members and presented at the public conference session. The personal experiences of the participants and other aspects of individualized therapy were also considered. Results: Our panel of experts agreed that the presence of common bile duct stones should be investigated in all patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Based on preoperative noninvasive diagnostics, either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) or intraoperative cholangiography should be employed for detecting CBDS. Eight of the 12 panelists recommended treating any diagnosed CBDS. For patients with no other extenuating circumstances, several treatment options exist. Stones can be extracted during ERCP, or either before or (in exceptional cases) after laparoscopic or open surgery. Bile duct clearance should always be combined with cholecystectomy. Evidence for further special aspects of CBDS treatment is equivocal and drawn from nonrandomized trials only. Conclusions: The management of common bile duct stones is currently undergoing some major changes. Many diagnostic and therapeutic strategies need further study.     

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.     

Laparoscopic common duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment strategies for addressing common duct stones at laparoscopic cholecystectomy remain controversial. The study presents the authors' experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 71 LCBDEs performed over 5 years using either transcystic duct flushing and mechanical techniques, transcystic duct basket retreival techniques, or laparoscopic choledochotomy. RESULTS: Laparoscopic CBDE resulted in ductal clearance in 61 of 71 (85%) cases with only 1 case of unsuspected retained common duct stones and only 1 major complication. Review of the cases that did not result in common duct clearance suggests that the success rate of laparoscopic CBDE could be increased. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic CBDE is an effective treatment for concurrent gallstones and common duct stones and avoids the potential morbidity of an endoscopic sphincterotomy. General surgeons with adequate training and experience can perform laparoscopic CBDE safely and effectively.     

Choledochoscopy as a complementary procedure to operative cholangiography in biliary surgery

Six years' experience with the use of the flexible choledochoscope for biliary surgery is reported. One hundred forty-nine patients underwent common bile duct exploration with choledochoscopy as a complementary procedure. Choledochoscopy immediately showed the absence of stones in 37 patients in whom stones were suspected but the results of preexploratory operative cholangiography were negative or equivocal. The remaining 112 patients underwent choledocholithotomy with choledochoscopy. Only two patients (1.3 percent) returned with unsuspected residual stones.Choledochoscopy used as a complementary procedure to operative cholangiography can easily and more accurately clarify suspicious findings in the operative cholangiogram. It avoids the use of blind instrumental exploration of the bile ducts. Impacted stones can be extracted easily under direct vision with the choledochoscope. We believe that the use of choledochoscopy contributed to our low incidence of retained stones.     

Selective intraoperative cholangiography. A case for its use on an anatomic basis

The routine use of intraoperative cholangiography has vastly improved the results of common duct exploration by reducing the number of negative explorations. The controversy surrounding the use of routine versus selective intraoperative cholangiography has centered on the incidence of unsuspected common-duct stones. A prospective study was designed to examine both preoperative clinical data and intraoperative anatomical information to determine criteria that would identify patients who would not require cholangiography. One hundred consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy were included in the study. When considering patients without preoperative clinical data suspicious for common duct stones three anatomical conditions were identified in which common duct stones would not be present: cystic duct less than 3 mm; smallest stone size greater than 6 mm; a single stone. Using intraoperative criteria as a basis for cholangiography, 44 per cent of patients without clinical suspicion of common duct stones would be spared an intraoperative cholangiogram. It is the authors' opinion that the addition of anatomic findings to preoperative clinical data can further reduce or eliminate the risk of unsuspected stones while sparing a large number of patients the risk and expense of routine intraoperative cholangiography and possible negative duct exploration.