Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the feasibility of transcystic removal of common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Clinical data of 18 cases of transcystic cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy from January 2003 to July 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Before the resection of the gallbladder, the cystic duct was opened to insert a catheter for cholangiography. After the common bile duct stones were detected, a wire basket was introduced transcystically to remove the stones. Results Transcystic cholangiography was conducted in 18 cases, 11 of which were detected as having common bile duct stones. Of the 11 cases, laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration was successfully completed in 6 cases and failed in 2 cases with stones significantly larger than the diameter of the bile duct, 2 cases of failure of transcystic insertion of catheter, and 1 case with stones embedded in the hepatopancreatic ampulla. Follow-up with B-ultrasonography for 6~18 months in the 6 cases revealed no residual stones,biliary stricture,or bile duct dilatation. Conclusions Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) provides an effective option for the diagnosis and treatment of secondary common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy without opening the common bile duct.