ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the surgical techniques of laparoscopic procedures in the management of stones straddling between the cystic duct and the common bile duct. Methods Clinical data of 19 cases of stones straddling between the cystic duct and the common bile duct treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) from January 2001 to June 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Results The operations were completed by opening the gallbladder ampulla and/or the cystic duct in all the patients. The stones were 0 4~0 6 cm in diameter (mean,0 5 cm).The drainage was removed 48 hours ofter the surgery.The patients were discharged from hospital 3~5 days postoperatively.Follow-up checkups in the 19 cases for 2~24 months (mean,10 months) found no residual stones. Conclusions Thorough exposure of the union of the cystic duct with the common bile duct and the opening of the cystic duct to expel the stones is the best way to manage stones straddling between the cystic duct and the common bile duct under laparoscope, and also the most effective method to prevent postoperative residual stones.
