ABSTRACT
The iatrogenic cause of bile duct stone formation is mainly due to suture materials, especially silk sutures. In recent years, Prolene and Vicryl sutures have been widely used in biliary surgery, and bile duct stone formation related to sutures are seemingly becoming rare, as there has only been one report of bile duct stone formation caused by Prolene sutures in the literature. In the last few years we have had two cases of Prolene suture-related bile duct stone formation within our unit. We therefore suggest that Vicryl sutures should be used as the first choice in biliary surgery, in order to prevent the formation of iatrogenic bile duct stones
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the therapeutic strategy and clinical value of intraoperative chole-dochoscopy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy for refractory intrahepatic bile duct stones.Methods Liver pa-renchyma,intrahepatic bile duct and bile duct stones were explored under direct vision and intraoperative choledochoscope in 1 1 cases of refractory intrahepatic bile duct stones.Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and lithot-omy were performed to remove the stones and protect the liver parenchyma.If the stones could not be re-moved once,a secondary lithotripsy and lithotomy was performed through the fistula tract.Results All re-fractory calculi were crushed after one or two procedures and the clearance rate were 100%.No complica-tions occurred.Ten patients were followed up from 1 to 3 years except one.Three cases revealed recurrent stone during follow-up due to withdrawal of ursodeoxycholic acid capsules in 1 to 2 years.Seven others showed no stone recurrence within follow-up time.Conclusion Intraoperative choledochoscopy and electro-hydraulic lithotripsy is an easy technique and can effectively protect the liver parenchyma.The life quality of patients can be improved with low surgical risk and postoperative complications.