Towards T-tube free laparoscopic bile duct exploration: a methodologic evolution during 300 consecutive procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a simple, reproducible, and safe technique of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) with high clearance rates and low morbidity and mortality rates. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: For most general surgeons, laparoscopic CBDE appears an unduly complex and demanding procedure. Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, many surgeons use endoscopic cholangiography (ERC) and endoscopic sphincterotomy as their only option in treating bile duct stones. ERC is more specific if used after surgery, but it carries an appreciable morbidity rate and has the disadvantage of requiring a second procedure to deal with bile duct stones. To this end, various methods of laparoscopic CBDE have been developed. METHODS: Between August 1991 and February 1997, 300 consecutive unselected patients underwent laparoscopic CBDE. RESULTS: Of 300 laparoscopic CBDE procedures, 173 (58%) were managed using a transcystic approach and 127 (42%) with choledochotomy. Successful laparoscopic stone clearance was achieved in 271 (90%). Of the 29 (10%) patients not cleared laparoscopically, 10 had an elective postsurgical ERC, 12 were converted to an open procedure early in the series, and 7 had unexpected retained stones. There was one death (mortality rate 0.3%) and major morbidity occurred in 22 patients (7%). The last 100 procedures were performed from July 1995 to February 1997, and stone clearance was unsuccessful in only two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transcystic basket extraction of common duct stones under fluoroscopic guidance is a relatively quick, successful, and safe technique. Choledochotomy, when required, is associated with a higher morbidity rate, particularly with T-tube insertion, and the authors advocate primary bile duct closure with or without insertion of a biliary stent as a more satisfactory technique for both surgeon and patient. Most patients with gallbladder and common duct calculi should expect a curative one-stage laparoscopic procedure without the need for external biliary drainage or ERC.     

Choledochoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for common bile duct stones

Aim-Background

The aim is to present the results of a retrospective study comparing a) choledochoscopy in open and laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (CBDE) regarding the clearance of Common Bile Duct (CBD) from stones, b) open CBDE with and without choledochoscopy, and c) transcystic vs. transductal laparoscopic choledochoscopy.

Patients-Methods

Data were extracted from the medical records of 251 patients who had undergone open or laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration. We excluded all those undergoing successful ERCP and sphincterotomy. The patients were separated into the following groups Group A: 127 patients who underwent Open CBDE; subgroup A1 comprised 52 patients who underwent Open CBDE with flexible choledochoscopy and intraoperative cholangiography (open CBDE+FCS+IOC), and Subgroup A2 included 75 patients who underwent Open CBDE with cholangiography (open CBDE+IOC). Group B: 124 patients who underwent Laparoscopic CBDE; subgroup B1 included 15 patients undergoing transcystic choledochoscopy, and subgroup B2 comprised 109 patients who underwent transductal choledochoscopy.

Results

The stone clearance rate in group A1 (open CBDE +FCS+IOC) was 98%, and in group A2 (open CBDE +IOC) it was 93%. However, the difference in the success rate between the choledochoscopic and “blind” technique was of no statistical significance (p=0.235). Similarly, no statistical significance was found between the success rates of open (98%) vs. laparoscopic (94%) choledochoscopy (p=0.869), or transcystic (Group B1) vs. transductal (GroupB2) laparoscopic choledochoscopy (87% vs. 95% respectively) (p=0.207), although greater success was noted in favour of transductal choledochoscopy. The conversion rate of transductal laparoscopic CBDE was 8%, and the main reason for conversion was stone impaction.

Conclusion

No statistical difference is noted in stone clearance rate between flexible choledochoscopy (FCS) and intraoperative cholangiography. However, intraoperative cholangiography has better outcomes regarding stone clearance when it is assisted by choledochoscopy. A search of the literature found no available data comparing the success rate of open vs. laparoscopic choledochoscopy. Our study demonstrated that the difference in the stone clearance rate between the two approaches was not statistically significant. Laparoscopic transcystic CBDE is less invasive and is associated with a lower complication rate, but it has higher failure rates compared to the transductal approach, although the difference is of no statistical significance.     

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.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and choledocholithiasis.

Between November 1990 and March 1991, five patients with cholelithiasis and associated choledocholithiasis were treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common-bile-duct exploration (CBDE). Three patients had a successful CBDE, but in two common-bile-duct stones had to be extracted surgically. Two patients had formal laparoscopic CBDE, and three patients had CBDE performed through the cystic duct. All patients recovered from surgery without complication. Laparoscopic CBDE is difficult to perform because of lack of adequate instrumentation and limited experience. Although the authors do not recommend that this procedure be performed widely at present, they believe it will eventually replace many open CBDEs. The authors review the pertinent literature and evaluate diagnostic means for preoperative and peroperative detection of choledocholithiasis. They discuss the alternatives to laparoscopic CBDE, their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, they summarize their own policy with respect to laparoscopic CBDE.     

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.     

Outcomes of emergency common bile duct exploration: impact of preoperative endoscopic decompression

Background: Emergency common bile duct exploration (CBDE) is still required in patients acutely ill with complicated biliary tract stone disease when endoscopic decompression fails to reverse their condition. This study looks at the clinical profile of patients requiring emergency CBDE and examines the various factors influencing the postoperative outcome. Methods: Clinical records of patients with emergency CBDE in Singapore General Hospital from January 1991 to December 1998 were reviewed. Factors influencing postoperative outcomes, for example, pre‐existing medical problems, hepatic para­‐­m­eters, the impact of endoscopic procedures (if any) and indications for surgery, were correlated with postoperative morbidity and 30‐day mortality. Results: The records of 100 patients were available for review. Major indications for emergency CBDE were cholangitis (51%) and intraoperative findings of common bile duct obstruction during emergency laparotomy (23%). Six patients had emergency CBDE because of iatrogenic complication of attempted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) for biliary stones. Overall mortality was 14.0% and 8.0% had retained stones. Mortality was significantly influenced by age, prior biliary disease, preoperative endoscopic biliary decompression in acute cholangitis (33.3%vs 9.4%, P = 0.035) and endoscopic complications. Conclusions: Among patients requiring emergency CBDE, uncomplicated preoperative endoscopic biliary decompression ben­efits patients with acute cholangitis.     

Does the external remote controller’s reading correspond to the actual lengthening in magnetic-controlled growing rods?

Magnetic-controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are now routinely used in many centres to treat early-onset scoliosis (EOS). MCGR lengthening is done non-invasively by the external remote controller (ERC). Our experience suggests that there may be a discrepancy between the reported rod lengthening on the ERC and the actual rod lengthening. The aim of this study was to investigate this discrepancy. This was a prospective series. Eleven patients who were already undergoing treatment for EOS using MCGRs were included in this study. One hundred and ninety-two sets of ultrasound readings were obtained (96 episodes of rod lengthening on dual-rod constructs) and compared to their ERC readings. Only 15/192 (7.8%) readings were accurate; 27 readings (14.9%) were false positive; and 8 readings (4.2%) were an underestimation while 142 readings (74.0%) were an overestimation by the ERC. Average over-reporting by the ERC was 5.31 times of the actual/ultrasound reading. When comparing interval radiographs with lengthening obtained on ultrasound, there was a discrepancy with an average overestimation of 1.35 times with ultrasound in our series. There was a significant difference between ERC and USS (p = 0.01) and ERC and XR (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between USS and XR (p > 0.99). The reading on the ERC does not equate to the actual rod lengthening. The authors would recommend that clinicians using the MCGR for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis include pre- and post-extension imaging (radiographs or ultrasound) to confirm extension lengths at each outpatient extension. In centres with ultrasound facilities, we would suggest that patients should have ultrasound to monitor each lengthening after distraction but also 6-month radiographs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.     

腹腔镜治疗Mirizzi综合征35例临床分析

目的探讨Mirizzi综合征的诊断方法选择及腹腔镜治疗的可行性。方法回顾同济大学附属上海市同济医院2010年1月至2015年12月收治的共35例Mirizzi综合征的临床资料,对其诊断方法、手术方式以及治疗结果进行分析。结果实施腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)4 352例,其中确诊为Mirizzi综合征共35例,占0.8%。术前诊断率为60.0%。根据Csendes’s分型:Ⅰ型21例,LC共17例,腹腔镜胆囊大部切除术(laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy,LSC)+胆总管切开术+T管支撑引流术4例;Ⅱ型10例,LSC+瘘口直接修补术+胆总管切开术+T管支撑引流术4例,LSC+胆囊壁组织修补瘘口术+胆总管切开术+T管支撑引流术3例,中转开腹行胆囊大部切除术+胆总管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合术3例;Ⅲ型4例,LSC+胆囊壁组织修补瘘口术+胆总管切开术+T管支撑引流术1例,中转开腹行胆囊大部切除术+部分胆管切除术+胆管端端吻合术+胆总管切开术+T管支撑引流术1例,中转开腹行胆囊大部切除术+胆总管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合术2例。结论 Mirizzi综合征术前诊断困难,磁共振胆胰管成像(MRCP)能够作为提高诊断准确率的一种无创手段;腹腔镜可以安全处理大部分Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型及小部分Ⅲ型Mirizzi综合征,对大部分Ⅲ型Mirizzi综合征腹腔镜处理困难,应及时开腹处理。     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiographic demonstration of a double gallbladder following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We report a case of a doubled gallbladder missed in preoperative ultrasound and laparoscopic cholecystectomy but demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) postoperatively.     

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.     

A stratified intraoperative surgical strategy is mandatory during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for common bile duct stones

Background: Open exploration and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) remain the preferred treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS). The recent spread of laparoscopy has worsened the dilemna of choosing between surgical and endoscopic treatment of CBDS. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the results of our preliminary experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) for CBDS. Methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients were prospectively submitted to laparoscopic CBDE. Surgical strategy included an initial transcystic approach or laparoscopic choledochotomy. Failure of stone clearance was managed by conversion to open CBDE or by postoperative ES. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and papillary balloon dilatation were selectively used. Stone clearance was assessed by choledochoscopy and control cholangiography. Results: The overall laparoscopic stone clearance in this series was 84% (transcystic route 63% and choledochotomy 93%). Conversion to laparotomy was mandatory in 12% of the patients because of incomplete stone clearance and in 5% because of intraoperative complications. Postoperative ES was required in 4% of the patients, giving an overall surgical success rate of 96%. When indicated (small and limited number of stones located below the cysticocholedochal junction, with a dilated and patent cystic duct) the transcystic route had the lower success rate, the higher complication rate, and the shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay. When indicated (accessible and dilated common bile duct over 7 mm), laparoscopic choledochotomy had the higher success rate, the lower complication rate, the longer operative time, and the longer postoperative hospital stay, which is related to associated external biliary drainage. The hospital mortality included two high-risk patients (2%) and the complications rate was 15%. Conclusions: Laparoscopic CBDE is safe in selected patients. A stratified intraoperative surgical strategy is mandatory in deciding between a transcystic route and choledochotomy with specific indications for each approach. When feasible, laparoscopic choledochotomy is more efficient and safe than the transcystic route, but it is associated with a longer postoperative hospital stay, which is due to external biliary drainage. Received: 7 May 1996/Accepted: 19 November 1996     

Endoscopic sphincterotomy permits interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with moderately severe gallstone pancreatitis

Patients with moderately severe gallstone pancreatitis with substantial pancreatic and peripancreatic inflammation, but without organ failure, frequently have an open cholecystectomy to prevent recurrent pancreatitis. In these patients, prophylactic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) may prevent recurrent pancreatitis, permit laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and decrease risks. The medical records of all patients with pancreatitis undergoing cholecystectomy from 1999–2004 at the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital were reviewed. Data regarding demographics, clinical course, etiology of pancreatitis, operative and endoscopic interventions, and outcome were extracted. Moderately severe gallstone-induced pancreatitis was defined as pancreatitis without organ failure but with extensive local inflammation. Thirty patients with moderately severe gallstone pancreatitis underwent ERC and ES and were discharged before cholecystectomy. Mean interval between ES and cholecystectomy was 102 ± 17 days. Cholecystectomy was performed laparoscopically in 27 (90%) patients, open in three (10%) patients, and converted to open in two (7%) patients, with a morbidity rate of 7% (two patients). No patient required drainage of a pseudocyst or developed recurrent pancreatitis. Interval complications resulted in hospital readmission in seven (23%) patients. In conclusion, recurrent biliary pancreatitis in patients with moderately severe gallstone pancreatitis is nil after ERC and ES. Hospital discharge of these patients permits interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but close follow-up is necessary in these potentially ill patients. Presented at the Forty-Sixth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Chicago, Illinois, May 14–18, 2005 (poster presentation).     

Endoscopic sphincterotomy prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the treatment of cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND: We performed this study to assess the outcome of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic gallbladder and suspected duct stones. METHODS: We performed prospective study of 310 patients with symptomatic gallstones and suspected choledocholithiasis managed by preoperative ERC with endoscopic extraction (ESE) and LC. The presence of one or more of the following criteria at hospital admission led to preoperative ERC because of suspected choledocholithiasis: jaundice for more than 72 h, ultrasonography measurement of the common bile duct > 8 mm, cholestasis, and acute biliary pancreatitis. RESULTS: ERC for suspected choledocholithiasis was performed in 310 patients. The rate of successful cannulation for ERC was 96.8%. Duct stones were found in 86%. Twelve patients had impacted duct stones cleared at open common duct exploration. The failure rate of ERC was 4.5%, and the rate of unnecessary ERC was 13.5%. LC was performed in 298 of 310 patients. Morbidity rates were 2.2% and 1.5% after ESE and LC, respectively. CONCLUSION: A total of 95.5% of patients with symptomatic gallbladder and ductal stones could be successfully managed by ERC prior to LC with a low morbidity rate.     

Intraoperative ERCP for therapy of common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

The data of 166 patients that underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between November 1989 and December 1997 are given. In all cases intraoperative ERC and extraction of bile duct stones within the laparoscopic surgery were performed. The results show that by intraoperative simultaneous ERC bile duct stones can be removed with a success rate of 98.8% and a mortality rate of 0%. Intraoperative ERC is a secure and economic kind of treatment, especially the patient profits from this minimal invasive procedure.     

Selective cholangiography in 600 patients undergoing cholecystectomy with 5-year follow-up for residual bile duct stones

BACKGROUND: The need for cholangiography to identify possible bile duct stones in all patients undergoing cholecystectomy is controversial. AIMS: To assess the results of a policy for selective pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to determine the incidence of postoperative symptomatic bile duct stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1998, 600 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under one consultant surgeon. Patients were selected for pre-operative or postoperative ERC based on symptoms, liver function tests and/or abnormalities on ultrasonography. A general practitioner questionnaire was used to assess follow-up of patients with postoperative stones. RESULTS: Of 600 patients, 107 (18%) with a median age of 57 years and male:female ratio of 1:2.1 were selected to undergo pre-operative ERC; of these, 41 patients (38%) had bile duct stones. Postoperative ERC was performed in 30 patients (5%) and stones were identified in seven (23.3%). Three patients (0.5%) had stones removed within 15 days of operation and four (0.7%) between 2.6 months and 1.8 years. Median follow-up was 5.0 years (range, 2.5-7.5 years). The overall incidence of bile duct stones was 48 cases (8%). The stone rate was 11% in males and 7.3% in females. Stones were successfully extracted at ERC in 43 patients (89.6%). CONCLUSIONS: A policy of selective pre-operative ERC is the most effective technique for identifying and removing bile duct stones and the incidence of symptomatic gallstones following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is very low. With an overall stone rate of 8%, routine peroperative cholangiography is unnecessary and, in a surgical unit providing an ERC service, laparoscopic exploration of the bile duct is not a technique required for the management of bile duct stones.     

A single center experience in minimally invasive treatment of postcholecystectomy bile leak, complicated with biloma formation

BACKGROUND: Bilomas are localized collections of bile occurring usually post-operatively from an injured cystic or bile duct. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of minimal access endoscopic and percutaneous modalities in treating symptomatic bile leak and biloma formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with biloma after open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy underwent assessment of the site and extent of the bile leak via endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in all patients who were managed non-operatively, any retained duct stones were removed, and an endoprosthesis was inserted in a selected basis. Percutaneous drainage of the bile collection, under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance, followed ERC. RESULTS: ERC supplemented by computed tomography or ultrasound guided percutaneous biloma drainage was successful in 15 patients. One patient having major ductal injury was treated surgically. Thirteen patients had leakage from the cystic duct, one from the right hepatic duct, and one from an aberrant right hepatic duct. Bile duct stones were removed from seven patients an endoprosthesis was inserted in six and a nasobilary catheter in one. Bilomas resolved and bile leakage was treated successfully in all 15 patients with no further complications. CONCLUSION: ERC accurately diagnoses the cause of postcholecystectomy bile leakage and biloma formation. Furthermore, endoscopic sphincterotomy and selective stent insertion in coordination with percutaneous drainage procedures represents in the majority of cases the corner stone of a definitive treatment.     

Common bile duct evaluation in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 1050 cases later.

OBJECTIVE: The authors documented the evolution of common bile duct (CBD) evaluation after the development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and CBD exploration. Emphasis was placed on stratification of CBD stone risk so that subgroups could be selected appropriately for no further studies, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERC), or intraoperative intervention. METHODS: Data were accumulated by the authors on presentation, findings, and outcomes of 1050 patients who underwent cholecystectomies. Risk stratification was based on the history, ultrasound findings, biochemical derangements, and operative findings. RESULTS: Fifty-seven per cent of patients met criteria to be "no/low" risk for CBD stones (CBD diameter < 5 mm, normal liver enzymes, and no history of acute cholecystitis, jaundice, or pancreatitis); in these patients, cholangiograms were not obtained, and there was no clinical evidence of CBD stones observed in follow-up at 45 months (sensitivity = 100%). As techniques developed for laparoscopic CBD exploration, there was a decreased incidence of open cholecystectomy (p < 0.05) and preoperative ERC (p < 0.05). The rate of operative cholangiogram increased from 13% to 23% during the series (p < 0.01). There were no CBD injuries or late strictures. The only bile leak occurred from a peripheral segmental duct in the gallbladder bed and was resolved with a laparotomy and suture. There were no transfusions. Three retained stones were documented in patients who had false-normal operative cholangiograms. CONCLUSIONS: Criteria were defined that delineate a "no/low" risk group of LC patients for whom operative cholangiograms were not indicated for excluding CBD stones. The routine use of operative cholangiography as a means of preventing CBD injury was not substantiated by this study. The indications for preoperative ERC should continue to decrease as laparoscopic techniques evolve.     

Surgical versus endoscopic management of common bile duct stones.

The charts of all patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones admitted to Virginia Mason Medical Center between January 1, 1981 and July 31, 1986 were reviewed to define current methods of management and results of operative versus endoscopic therapy. Two hundred thirty-seven patients with CBD stones were treated. One hundred thirty patients had intact gallbladders. Of these patients, 76 (59%) underwent cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration (CBDE) while 54 (41%) underwent endoscopic papillotomy (EP) only. Of the 107 patients admitted with recurrent stones after cholecystectomy, all but five were treated with EP. The overall mortality rate was 3.0%. Complications, success, and death rates were all similar for CBDE and EP, but the complications of EP were often serious and directly related to the procedure (GI hemorrhage, 6; duodenal perforation, 5; biliary sepsis, 4; pancreatitis, 1). Patients undergoing EP required significantly shorter hospitalization than those undergoing CBDE. Multivariate analysis showed that age greater than 70 years, technical failure, and complications increased the risk of death, regardless of procedure performed. Twenty-one per cent of those undergoing EP with gallbladders intact eventually required cholecystectomy. The conclusion is that the results of EP and CBDE are similar, and the use of EP has not reduced the mortality rates of this disease.     

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.     

Abnormal cholangiograms during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is more expensive and time consuming than its conventional counterpart. Therefore, it should only be performed when there is near certainty that stones are present. The purpose of this study was to identify patients who should be spared LCBDE despite an abnormal intraoperative cholangiogram. Methods: Of 700 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between 1989 and 1994 by a single surgeon (R.J.F.), 41 had abnormal intraoperative cholangiograms (6%). All 41 patients were treated by either immediate CBDE (19) (conventional or laparoscopic) or had postoperative follow-up cholangiograms (22). The patients were retrospectively assigned to one of three groups. Group I patients had a single ``soft' indicator of choledocholithiasis. Group II patients had one or more of the following: (1) a highly suspicious abnormal intraoperative cholangiogram, (2) two or more ``soft' indicators of choledocholithiasis, or (3) preoperative clinical findings such as elevated liver function studies or positive preoperative radiological studies. Group III patients had proven choledocholithiasis. Results: In group I, there were 11 patients, none of whom underwent immediate CBDE. Eight of the 11 (73%) had normal follow-up cholangiograms due to either spontaneous stone passage or a false-positive intraoperative cholangiogram. There were 27 patients in group II; 19 underwent immediate CBDE with 100% stone recovery. The remaining 8 had delayed treatment and in five stones were recovered, while three had normal postoperative cholangiograms suggesting spontaneous stone passage. In group III, all three had negative follow-up cholangiograms despite proven choledocholithiasis. Spontaneous stone passage in this group seemed highly likely. Conclusions: The finding of a single soft indicator results in a low rate of stone recovery postoperatively, and these patients should not undergo LCBDE. In this series, spontaneous stone passage seemed highly likely in at least 3/22 (14%) and possibly as high as 14/22 (64%). Received: 29 March 1996/Accepted: 29 July 1996