Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with selective pre-operative endoscopic cholangiography and sphincterotomy, a safe combination

ABSTRACT

One hundred and twenty four patients with symptomatic gall bladder stones underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a period of three years. They have been successfully and safely performed without operative cholangiography for one hundred and twenty one patients [97.6%]. Pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram was performed for fourteen patients suspected to have choledocholithiasis on clinical grounds. Ten of them were found to have common bile duct stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was done for these ten patients and all stones were cleared. For one month follow up after discharge, no complications were seen and none has come back with late complications thereafter. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram and sphincterotomy was safe and effective with good cosmotic result and fast recovery. There was no need to perform operative chorangiogrom and exploration of common bile duct