Dual common bile duct examination with transcystic choledochoscopy and cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for suspected choledocholithiasis: a prospective study

Comparative Efficacy and Complications Between One-stage Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration and Two-stage ERCP Plus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Treatment of Choledocholithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Early and effective management of choledocholithiasis is imperative to decrease patient morbidity. Despite the widespread use of ERCP, advancements in laparoscopy and choledochoscopy have renewed interest in laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE). This meta-analysis compares outcomes of 2-stage ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) versus one-stage transcystic LCBDE plus LC.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were selected based on specific criteria. Data on stone clearance, postoperative pancreatitis, bleeding, mortality, and length of stay were extracted.

RESULTS

Seven comparative non-randomized studies enrolling 669 "one-stage LCBDE patients" and 724 "two-stage ERCP patients" were included. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences regarding the rates of stone clearance, pancreatitis, bleeding, and mortality between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

One-stage transcystic LCBDE is noninferior to the 2-stage ERCP + LC approach, supporting its use as a first-line treatment for choledocholithiasis.

The "Basket-in-Catheter" technique: facilitating transcystic bile duct exploration and optimising the management of suspected ductal stones

The 'Basket-in-Catheter' (BIC) technique facilitates basket-only laparoscopic transcystic exploration (LTCE), increasing its success rate. Using the cholangiography catheter as a sheath is easier and safer than inserting the wire basket-alone. This study evaluates its benefits in confirmed and suspected ductal stones. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on patients with pre-operative or operative suspicion of bile duct stones or with positive and equivocal intraoperative cholangiographies (IOC) who had LTCE attempted using blind basket trawling, without choledochoscopy, were reviewed. The incidence and outcomes of blind basket LTCEs attempted before and after introducing the BIC technique, whether or not stones were retrieved, were analysed. Blind basket LTCE was attempted in 732 patients. Of 377 (51.5%) patients undergoing successful stone retrieval, only 62% had pre-operative clinical and radiological risk factors for ductal stones, 25% had operative risk factors and 13% had silent stones discovered on IOC. Another 355 patients (48.5%) had negative trawling, although one half had pre-operative risk factors for ductal stones and 47.6% had operative risk factors, e.g. cystic duct stones or dilatation. This cohort had equivocal cholangiography in 25.9%. Following basket trawling, repeat IOC confirmed resolution of abnormalities. As no stones were retrieved, these were not considered duct explorations. The BIC technique facilitates safe and speedy bile duct clearance when stones are confirmed, avoiding choledochotomies, without significant complications. BIC duct trawling is also beneficial in patients with suspected ductal stones, helping to resolve equivocal IOCs. It helps surgeons to acquire and consolidate ductal exploration skills.

Impact of fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 proposed fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomy (FFLC) as a bailout surgery. This study investigated the clinical impact of FFLC for severe cholecystitis.

METHODS

This study reviewed 772 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) between 2015 and 2018. Of these patients, 171 patients were diagnosed with severe cholecystitis according to our difficulty scoring system. FFLC was not prevalent in our faculty for the first 2 years [early period group (EG)], whereas FFLC was predominantly used for the last 2 years [late period group (LG)]. There were 81 patients (47%) belonging to the EG and 90 patients (53%) in the LG. The clinical data and the surgical outcomes of these patients were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The difficulty score did not differ between the two groups (11 vs. 11 points, p = 0.846). Patients underwent FFLC significantly more frequently in the LG (63% vs. 12%, p = 0.020). Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) was done in 10 patients (11%) of the LG, which was significantly low compared to that in the EG (n = 20, 25%) (p = 0.020). In all patients, LC was safely achieved without bile duct injury or conversion to laparotomy. The incidence of choledocholithiasis was significantly low in the LG (0 vs. 4, p = 0.048). The median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LG (6 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

After the introduction of FFLC, there were significant improvements in the surgical outcomes of LC for severe cholecystitis, including the rate of LSC, incidence of choledocholithiasis, and duration of postoperative hospital stay.

[Modern minimally invasive technologies for the treatment of cholelithiasis]

Surgical community has not yet reached any consensus on the adequate treatment of gallstone disease with combined stones of the gallbladder and bile ducts. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic papillosphincterotomy (EPST) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCE) have been considered the optimal treatment method for the past thirty years. Thanks to improvement of technologies and experience in laparoscopic surgery, many centers in the world offer simultaneous treatment of cholecystocholedocholithiasis, i.e. LCE and laparoscopic choledocholithotomy. Transcystical and transcholedochal extraction of calculi from the common bile duct is the most common. Intraoperative cholangiography and choledochoscopy are used to assess extraction of calculi while T-shaped drainage, biliary stent and primary suture of common bile duct are used to complete choledocholithotomy. Laparoscopic choledocholithotomy is associated with certain difficulties, requires some experience in choledochoscopy and intracorporeal suturing of common bile duct. There are many unresolved issues regarding the choice of laparoscopic choledocholithotomy technique depending on the number and dimensions of stones, diameter of cystic duct and common bile duct. The authors analyze literature data on the role of modern minimally invasive interventions in the treatment of gallstone disease.

Laparoscopic trans-cystic common bile duct exploration and treatment of choledocholithiasis in a patient with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after gastrectomy: report of an emergency case

We present the case of choledocholithiasis with purulent cholangitis treated with laparoscopic approach in a patient with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy. After cholangiography, the common bile duct was explored with trans-cystic choledochoscopy and the retained stone extracted under direct vision.