Selective endoscopic cholangiography for the detection of common bile duct stones in patients with cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The detection and management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to be controversial. Several diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been suggested. These include intraoperative cholangiography, selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective ERCP in detecting CBD stones in patients with cholelithiasis before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, patients with cholelithiasis who presented during a 6-year period were assessed on a selective basis with ERCP for suspected CBD stones before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ERCP was carried out if the patient had any of the following criteria: a dilated CBD on ultrasound, gallstone pancreatitis, or abnormal liver function tests. Intraoperative cholangiography was not performed in any of the patients. Long-term follow-up was undertaken. RESULTS: The study included 427 patients. On the basis of selective criteria, ERCP was carried out in 41 patients (9.6 %), with confirmed CBD stones in 22 cases (53.7 %). The most useful predictor of CBD stones on ERCP was the presence of a dilated CBD in association with abnormal liver function tests. In this situation, CBD stones were identified in 14 of 17 cases (82 %). Abnormal liver function tests alone had a sensitivity of 50 % (four of eight). All other parameters used in isolation had a lower detection rate. During a median follow-up period of 6 years (range 1-10 years), six of 386 patients (1.6 %) with initially normal imaging and biochemical tests presented again with retained stones. All were successfully managed by ERCP and sphincterotomy. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative selective ERCP is effective in detecting clinically significant CBD stones. However, there is a high false-negative rate when a single criterion is used to guide therapy. Multivariate analysis of preoperative parameters for risk stratification, in conjunction with other imaging modalities, may make it possible to minimize unnecessary ERCPs.     

Managing concomitant gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones in the laparoscopic era: a systematic review

Background: There is still no consensus on the ideal management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This article aims to review the management of concomitant gallbladder stones and CBD stones in the laparoscopic era. Method: A PubMed database search was performed to identify MEDLINE articles from 1986 to 2010 using the key terms “common bile duct stones,”“cholecystectomy,”“bile duct exploration,”“ERCP” (endoscopic retrograde cholangiography), and “endoscopic sphincterotomy.” Results: There were five randomized comparative trials (RCT) comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Two RCTs showed similar stone clearance rates and shorter hospital stays in the LCBDE group, while three RCTs showed similar stone clearance rates and hospital stays in sequential preoperative ERCP, LC and LCBDE groups. There were two RCTs comparing LCBDE to sequential LC and postoperative ERCP. One showed similar stone clearance rate and shorter hospital stay in LCBDE group, while the other showed similar stone clearance rate and hospital stay. There were three RCTs comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and LC against LC with intraoperative ERCP. All three studies showed similar stone clearance rates and shorter hospital stays in the intraoperative ERCP group. There was only one RCT comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and LC against sequential LC and postoperative ERCP. This showed a similar stone clearance rate and shorter hospital stay in the postoperative ERCP group. Conclusion: Different management approaches of concomitant gallbladder stones and CBD stones were equivalent in efficacy. However, one‐stage management had the advantage of providing a shorter hospital stay.     

Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones

In a consecutive series of 228 patients reterred to Kalundborg Sygehus, Surgical Department, for treatment of gall bladder disease, 17 patients had common bile duct (CBD) stones. Nine were found pre-operatively and treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), papillotomy and stone extraction. In two cases, however, the ERC procedure failed and the patients were treated successfully using laparoscopic therapy. Six CBD stones were found during laparoscopic surgery. Four of these patients were treated with laparoscopic stone extraction. In two patients laparoscopic stone extraction was not possible and they were treated post-operatively with ERC and stone extraction. Two CBD stones were discovered after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One was treated with ERC and stone extraction, the other with open surgery. By combining endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, it is possible in most cases to avoid open surgery for the treatment of CBD stones.     

急性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除时术中胆道造影35例分析

目的:探讨急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)时行术中胆道造影对胆总管结石的诊断价值,了解IOC在急诊LC时的可行性和安全性。方法:37例术前B超或CT未发现胆总管结石的急性胆囊炎病例行LC,均行经胆囊管胆道造影。结果:35例胆道造影成功,发现3例胆总管结石病例,分别为4mm、3mm、3mm大小,于术后行内镜取石成功。该组病例中无胆道损伤,发生1例与胆道造影无关的轻微胆漏。结论:急性胆囊炎行LC时,并发隐匿性胆管结石的情况值得重视,IOC在急诊LC时对胆管结石的诊断是安全可行的。     

Follow-up of selective endoscopic ultrasonography and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study of 300 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This prospective study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1998, LC for symptomatic gallstones was indicated in 300 consecutive patients. In order to diagnose and treat choledocholithiasis preoperatively, we performed, on the basis of preoperative criteria, ERC in "high-risk" patients and EUS in "intermediate-risk" patients. Choledocholithiasis was treated by preoperative biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (BES). LC was performed either after the endoscopic procedure or directly in "low-risk" patients. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients (35%) had 118 preoperative procedures: a) EUS (n = 68; feasibility 100%): choledocholithiasis was observed in 14/68 patients (21%); b) ERC (n = 50; feasibility 94%): 36 ERC were indicated on on preoperative criteria, and 14 on the basis of EUS results. Choledocholithiasis was found in 41/ 50 patients (82%) (13/14 patients with positive EUS), 19% of "intermediate-risk" patients, and 78% of "high-risk" patients; ERC failed in three patients who had no choledocholithiasis on subsequent intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) was achieved after BES in 41/41 patients. There was no mortality; complications occurred in 4/ 300 patients (1%). No retained stones were found in patients of any of the three groups, after a mean follow-up of 32 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endoscopic and laparoscopie management of cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis is a viable option and is optimized by the use of EUS.     

腹腔镜胆总管探查取石与内镜ERCP/EST联合LC治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的临床对比研究

【目的】评价腹腔镜胆总管探查取石术(LCBDE)与内镜逆行胆管造影、括约肌切开取石术(ER CP/EST)联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的临床效果,探讨胆石症的微创外科治疗策略。【方法】回顾性分析152例胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石病人分别采用LC LCBDE术(68例)、内镜EST联合LC术(84例)治疗的临床资料, 进行胆总管内径、结石大小、手术时间、手术费用、并发症发生率、术后住院日等方面的统计学对比分析。【结果】两种术式的术后住院日差异无显著性(P>0. 05),手术时间、手术费用、并发症发生率等方面比较差异有显著性(P<0. 01 ), 且两者的胆总管内径、结石大小相比较有差别。【结论】胆总管直径小于1. 0cm,尤其胆总管下端结石嵌顿时宜采用内镜、腹腔镜联合手术治疗;胆总管直径大于1. 0cm或多发结石,尤其并存二级支肝管结石者(无胆管狭窄),腹腔镜下一期手术LC LCBDE是治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的最佳选择。     

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

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

胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石的内镜诊治

目的：探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）在胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石诊治中的应用价值。方法：对胆囊切除术后腹痛、发热、黄疸或肝功能异常而经B超、CT或磁共振胰胆管造影（MRCP）证实或怀疑残留胆总管结石的患者进行ERCP检查，对发现胆总管结石的患者行EST或EPBD后取石。结果：ERCP检查的成功率为96．4％（108／112）。85例证实胆总管结石的患者行EST或EPBD后取石，79例（92．9％）取石治疗成功；6例因合并肝内胆管多发结石而行外科手术治疗。并发症发生率为4．5％，其中消化道出血2例，急性胰腺炎3例。结论；对于胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石的患者，ERCP是理想的诊断方法，而且还可以同时进行治疗。     

Assessment of the biliary tract by ultrasonography and cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-chol) has induced routine cholangiography to map the biliary tree and identify common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, the use of more selective criteria for performing intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), drawbacks of IOC and experience with laparoscopic ultrasonography (LU) re-introduced intraoperative ultrasonography for the CBD. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of LU and IOC to identify the anatomy of the CBD and the presence of stones. METHODS: A total of 50 unselected patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were evaluated by LU and IOC. Stones were found in three patients by IOC and could be confirmed by ultrasonography and CBD exploration in two. RESULTS: Anatomic definition of the biliary tract and success of the procedure was better for LU (90 and 98%) than IOC (86 and 72%). CONCLUSION: For Surgical groups with experience in LU this technique appears to become the standard technique to identify the anatomy of the CBD and assessment of CBD stones.     

Common bile duct diameters after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with common bile duct stones: ultrasonographic evaluation

Background: One of the most reliable, frequently used imaging techniques in cholestasis is ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: In this study, changes in diameters of CBD were determined ultrasonographically before and after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 46 patients with stone-induced dilated CBD. Results: There was a significant decrease in CBD diameter measured 1 week after ES and extraction of stone (p < 0.001). In 87% of cases, the difference was more significantly pronounced during the first 24 h of ES. The mean CBD diameters on US were 13.70 ± 3.00 mm (10–21 mm) before and 9.13 ± 2.90 mm (4.2–18 mm) 24 h after endoscopic treatment (p < 0.001). After ES, six patients (13%) with inadequate decreases in CBD diameters were found to have residual stones. Conclusion: US can show residual stones in the CBD with the same efficacy as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.     

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Background: One of the most reliable, frequently used imaging techniques in cholestasis is ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: In this study, changes in diameters of CBD were determined ultrasonographically before and after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 46 patients with stone-induced dilated CBD. Results: There was a significant decrease in CBD diameter measured 1 week after ES and extraction of stone (p < 0.001). In 87% of cases, the difference was more significantly pronounced during the first 24 h of ES. The mean CBD diameters on US were 13.70 ± 3.00 mm (10–21 mm) before and 9.13 ± 2.90 mm (4.2–18 mm) 24 h after endoscopic treatment (p < 0.001). After ES, six patients (13%) with inadequate decreases in CBD diameters were found to have residual stones. Conclusion: US can show residual stones in the CBD with the same efficacy as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.     

Accuracy of linear endoscopic ultrasonography in the evaluation of patients with suspected common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with radial scanning is an efficient diagnostic tool where there is suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Little is known about the use of linear EUS in this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of linear EUS in a large group of patients suspected to have bile duct stones, using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy and exploration of the CBD using a Dormia basket, or surgical choledochotomy with choledochoscopy, as diagnostic "gold standards." PATIENTS AND METHODS: 134 patients with clinical suspicion of CBD stones were included in the study and prospectively evaluated, using EUS, and ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy (127 patients), or choledochotomy with choledochoscopy where ERCP was unsuccessful (seven patients). EUS was done before ERCP using an echo endoscope (Pentax FG 32 UA; 5 - 7.5 MHz) and Hitachi EUB 405 ultrasound machine. ERCP was done using the TFJ 100 or TJ 20 Olympus duodenoscope. ERCP was carried out within a mean of 2 days after EUS. The longest time between EUS and ERCP was 3 days. The examiners were blinded to the results of the other method used. RESULTS: CBD stones were found in 91 (68 %) patients at ERCP with ES or at surgery. The correct diagnosis was established by EUS in 85 patients. The remaining 43 patients without CBD stones were correctly diagnosed in 41 cases by means of EUS, giving an accuracy of 94 %, sensitivity of 93 %, specificity of 93 %, a positive predictive value of 98 %, a negative predictive value of 87 %, and a Youden's index of 89 %. CONCLUSIONS: Linear EUS is a fairly reliable method for the evaluation of patients with high suspicion for CBD stones. The usefulness of linear EUS in the evaluation of patients with low or moderate suspicion for CBD stones warrants further study.     

腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗胆囊并胆总管结石的内镜应用

目的 探讨内镜参与腹腔镜胆囊切除术（LC）、开腹手术治疗胆囊并胆总管结石的效果.方法 对54例胆囊并胆总管结石病人在LC或开腹手术之前行内镜检查、取石.结果 54例十二指肠逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）均成功,选择性十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术（EST）取胆总管结石成功49例,占90.74%.EST后选择性LC成功47例,内镜加LC总取石成功者占87.05%,1例EST取石后急性胆囊炎加重中转手术;内镜术后选择性开腹手术成功7例,占12.95%.无严重并发症发生.结论 先行内镜检查、取石,再行LC处理,大部分胆囊并胆总管结石病人可治愈而且并发症少,少部分疑难、复杂者仍需开腹手术处理.     

腹腔镜下经胆囊管的胆总管探查取石术治疗肝外胆道结石

目的探讨腹腔镜下经胆囊管的胆总管探查取石术治疗肝外胆道结石的临床应用效果。方法应用该方法治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石26例，总结其临床资料。结果经胆囊管途径取石成功率为24／26，1例因胆囊管变异，1例导丝插入胆总管未成功，中转为胆总管切开术。术中扩张时无胆管撕裂，术后无腹腔出血、胆漏发生，无围手术期死亡。术后住院时间4-8d.结论对于胆囊结石合并继发性肝外胆管结石的病例，在采用腹腔镜下1次手术的方式治疗时，应首先考虑经胆囊管途径，以争取更小创伤以便更快地恢复。     

Selective operative cholangiography in the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to determine whether it could be safely omitted for all patients who fit standard criteria, namely normal liver function tests, no history of gallstone pancreatitis, common bile duct (CBD) diameter less than 10 mm or previous history of jaundice. Data were collected prospectively from 194 consecutive patients who had LC for symptomatic gall bladder disease. IOC was not performed in any patient. The conversion rate was 6.1% and one CBD injury occurred. Our experience demonstrates that LC performed without routine IOC does not result in an increased incidence of retained stones in selected patients who have no history of pancreatitis, normal liver function tests and CBD less than 10 mm diameter.     

腹腔镜手术治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床研究

目的 探讨腹腔镜微创手术在治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石疾病中的价值。方法 回顾性分析了1996年1月～2004年9月在该院确诊为胆囊结石胆总管结石的病人采用腹腔镜手术的治疗情况，并对多种治疗的选择方案、结果作了分析比较。结果 68例患者中大多数在腹腔镜下一期作了胆囊切除、胆总管切开胆道镜下取石T管引流，未发现有明显并发症。少数胆总管无扩张的病例由内镜下作EST后联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术二期完成治疗，极少数上述方案治疗失败的患者由开腹完成治疗。腹腔镜手术一期治疗与内镜、腹腔镜联合二期治疗和开腹手术相比较，病人住院时间短，恢复快，并发症少，手术成功率高，具有明显的优点，而手术时间并无延长。结论 腹腔镜下手术一期取除结石是治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的主要、较好的选择方案。     

Do normal findings at biliary endoscopic ultrasonography obviate the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with suspicion of common bile duct stone? A prospective follow-up study of 238 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Biliary endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) are equally accurate for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stone. The aim of this prospective 1-year follow-up study was to determine whether normal findings at initial EUS obviated the need for ERC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 17-month period, all patients referred for biliary EUS because of suspicion of CBD stone, in whom EUS findings were normal were included in the study. Early (1-month) and late (1-year) follow-up details were obtained by mail or telephone. The clinical course and need for ERC were recorded. RESULTS: 238 patients were enrolled. During follow-up, 59 (25 %) patients underwent cholecystectomy, with (n=31) or without (n=28) cholangiography, and 30 patients underwent ERC (13 %). CBD stone was found in 14 (6 %) patients. Of these 30 patients, ERC was done in 15 cases in the first week after EUS, because of persistent suspicion of a CBD stone which was found in 10 patients. The 15 late ERC procedures (carried out more than 1 week after EUS) revealed only one CBD stone. The negative predictive value of EUS for the diagnosis of CBD stones was 95.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with suspicion of CBD stones but normal EUS findings have a low risk of needing ERC in a 1-year period.     

胆石症几种内镜手术术式及适应证探讨

目的使胆石症病人最大机会选择内镜手术治疗这种微创治疗,改良几种内镜操作方法及手术器械,几种内镜配合作用,有效拓宽手术适应症.方法经皮胆镜碎石清除术(PCCL)手术方法、器械改良;腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC);经腹腔镜纤维胆道镜胆总管探查、取石、T管引流术(LCRTD).胆系结石术后结石残留经引流窦道纤维胆道镜取石术(POC).结果病人合计404例.PCCL组198例,均为胆囊结石,手术成功194例(98.0%),平均住院17.3d;LC组103例,均为胆囊结石,合并息肉6例,手术成功102例(99.0%),平均住院4.8d,LCRTD组,胆总管结石47例,合并胆囊结石26例,合并肝内胆管结石11例.手术成功46例(97.9%).平均住院29.3d;POC组56例,1次取净31例(55.4%),2～3次取净17例(30.4%),3次以上7例(16.1%).无需住院.各组均无死亡病例.结论结合几种不同内镜治疗胆石症特点综合应用,完成了去除结石保留有功能胆囊;去除有病变胆囊;去除胆总管、肝内胆管结石及胆道术后残留结石,以微创的内镜手术方法替代传统开腹手术方法.     

胆总管结石继发急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎的急诊内镜治疗

目的：探讨胆总管发急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎的急诊内镜镜治疗方法,方法：118例胆总管结石继发急性梗阻性化脓性胆管炎患者接受ERCP检查和治疗,112例,人镜括约肌切开（EST）或内镜乳头气囊扩张（EPBD）取石梳 及放置鼻胆管引流（ENBD）,结果：31例经EPBD后取石,39例经EST后取石,或同时放置ENBD,42例单纯放ENBD,105例患者经急诊治疗后症状得到缓解,无严重并发症和死亡,结论：内镜治疗急性胆管炎较传统开腹手术具有操作简单,安全,有效,创伤小和恢复快等优点。     

腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石

目的:探讨腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床疗效.方法:回顾分析2009年1月-2010年12月腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)联合十二指肠镜治疗35例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者的临床资料.所有患者均采取经十二指肠镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP),内镜下十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术(EST),取出胆总管结石,放置胆道塑料支架引流(ERBD).ERCP后3d内行LC,术后4d出院.出院后1～2周内再次行十二指肠镜取出胆道支架并行ERCP了解胆管有无残余结石.结果:35例患者均1次取净胆总管结石,1例EST术中出血,34例成功行LC,1例中转开腹行胆囊切除术.术后并发急性胰腺炎2例,所有患者均无胆漏、十二指肠穿孔、黄疸等并发症.结论:腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石具有疗效确切、创伤小、恢复快等优点.