Removable fully covered self-expandable metal stents in the treatment of common bile duct strictures due to chronic pancreatitis: A case series

Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration can be performed following choledocotomy or via the trancystic approach. Laparoscopic CBD exploration is limited in some benign upper gastrointestinal units due to the cost of sterilization of the re-usable choledochoscope. We have recently published a case series confirming the safety and efficacy of the 5mm re-usable bronchoscope for CBD exploration. This case series evaluates a single-use bronchochoscope (Ambu aScopeTM) for laparoscopic CBD exploration. Data were collected from electronic records of the patients from January 2015 until December 2016; all the cases had confirmation of CBD stones. Twenty-one patients had CBD exploration using the disposable bronchochoscope. There were 7 male and 14 female (median age 42). 8 procedures were performed as emergencies and 13 were performed electively. All the cases were done laparoscopically apart from one planned as an open procedure due to previous extensive open surgery. Twenty cases had their CBD cleared using disposable bronchoscope and one needed subsequent special test follow up. Choledocotomy was performed in 15 and Tran’s cystic approach was performed in 6. No T-tube was used in the laparoscopic cases. 2 cases were performed as day case surgery. Median postoperative hospital stay was 2.5 days. In conclusion, the disposable bronchoscope is safe and effective for use in CBD exploration with results comparable to our previously published case series. It has guaranteed sterility and is cost effective compared to the re-usable bronchoscope especially when initial capital outlay, sterile processing and maintenance costs are considered.

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Positive Intraoperative Cholangiography during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Is Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Necessary?

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313480507100911 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 71 (9) ◽

pp. 750-753

Author(s):

Gabriel Akopian ◽

James Blitz ◽

Thomas Vander Laan

Keyword(s):

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽

Bile Duct ◽

Common Bile Duct ◽

Case Series ◽

Common Bile Duct Stones ◽

Common Bile Duct Exploration ◽

Bile Duct Stones ◽

Endoscopic Retrograde ◽

Technical Problems ◽

The Common

The treatment of choledocholithiasis discovered incidentally during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not yet standardized. Options include laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERCP-ES), and no intervention. We undertook a review of our case series to determine whether LCBDE is obligatory and which LCBDE method is unsuccessful. During the 6-year study period, 91 patients with choledocholithiasis were identified. Fifty-six patients (62%) underwent LCBDE. Thirteen (23%) of these 56 patients subsequently required ERCP. Balloon sweeping of the common bile duct failed in 10 of 21 patients (48% failure) compared to any other combination of techniques with a failure rate of 1/33 (3%; P < 0.001). Two patients did not undergo complete duct exploration because of technical problems. Thirty-five patients (38%) did not undergo LCBDE. Nine of these patients (26%) did not have ERCP-ES. None of the patients who underwent postoperative ERCP-ES required additional procedures or surgery. LCBDE can successfully treat common bile duct stones, with minimal to no morbidity, but is not mandatory for safely treating choledocholithiasis. Additionally, advanced techniques for clearing the common bile duct are more successful. Surgeons should be proficient at performing these techniques.

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