This study was a retrospective analysis of 68 LCBDE cases that were performed at the Ewha Womans UniversitySchool of Medicine, Mokdong Hospital from January, 2000 to March, 2006. Group A was defined that primary LCBDE was performed without ERCP/ES. Group B was defined that secondary LCBDE was performed after ERCP/ES had failed. The operative outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
Primary LCBDE was performed for 33 patients (Group A) and secondary LCBDE after failure of ERCP/ES was performed for 35 patients (Group B). No significant differences in gender, mean age and associated diseases were noted between the two groups. The stone clearance rate was 100% for both groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups for the mean operative time (201.5 min for Group A vs 188.7 min for Group B P=0.415), the open conversion rate (9.1% vs 0%, respectively P=0.068), the complication rate (12.1% vs 8.6%, respectively P=0.630) and the duration of the hospital stay (14.3 days vs 11.9 days, respectively P=0.169). The recurrence rate along with a mean follow-up of 24 months showed no significant difference between the two groups (12.1% vs 2.9%, respectively).
CONCLUSION:
When ERCP is impossible or stone retrieval is incomplete, LCBDE is an alternative treatment for difficult CBD stones.