Modified laparoscopic exploration of common bile duct:A report of 42 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the technique and instrument improvement of laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with T-tube drainage. Methods A total of 42 cases of gall stones complicated with common bile duct stones entered the study. During the operation, we exposed the common bile duct before the removal of the gall bladder, opened the common bile duct by a self-made bile duct scalpel, removed the stones by open instruments laparoscopically, and performed choledochofiberscopic examinations and T-tube drainages. Results All the 42 operations were successfully accomplished without the conversion to open surgery. The operation time (exclusive of that of LC) was 80～180 min (mean, 96 min). All the patients got out of bed and received liquids within 24 hours after the surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was 5～9 days (mean, 6 days). The T-tube was removed 3 weeks after the operation in the absence of residual stones or stenosis of bile duct under T-tube choledochography. Follow-up for 6～48 months (mean, 23 months) in 38 cases found no recurrence of stones or biliary tract symptoms. Conclusions The modified laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with T-tube drainage, which shortens the operation time, is an effective and safe method for the treatment of common bile duct stones.