Background: Bile duct stones with an intact gallbladder can be treated with either bile duct exploration at cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before or after cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of bile duct stones at cholecystectomy at our institution. We also aimed to identify risk factors for failure of ductal clearance in our series.
Methods: A retrospective review of 690 laparoscopic cholecystectomies over a 2-year period was performed. Patients who underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration formed the study population.
Results: Of 69 patients with suspected bile duct stones at cholecystectomy 67 (97%) patients underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration upfront. Complete ductal clearance was achieved in 52 (78%) patients. Postoperative complications (10/67, 15%) included postoperative bleeding (2/67, 3%), bile leak (1/67, 1%), and superficial wound infection (1/67, 1%). There was no mortality. The mean operative time was 126 min and the median length of stay was 2 (1-4) days. A wider common bile duct (CBD) (≥ 8 mm) increased the risk of failed ductal clearance (OR 4.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-19.23).
Conclusion: This study found that laparoscopic bile duct exploration can effectively and safely treat bile duct stones suspected at cholecystectomy.
Keywords: Bile duct stones; Common bile duct size; Ductal clearance; Laparoscopic bile duct exploration; Retrospective study; Transcystic exploration.