Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration with discharge less than 24 hours

Diagnostic performance of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration for the detection of choledocholithiasis in patients with negative MRCP

There is little research to evaluate laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct (CBD) exploration (LTCBDE) as a diagnostic test to identify choledocholithiasis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study aimed to assess the technical success and safety of LTCBDE in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis but negative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) undergoing LC. We did an ambispective cohort study in patients with gallstones and suspected CBD stones but negative MRCP undergoing LC. The primary outcomes were the rate of complications in the hospital. Between January 2010 and December 2018, 620 patients (median age, 58 years; 58.4% female) were eligible for the study. The success rate of LTCBDE was 91.8% and CBD stones were observed in 53.3% with a stone clearance rate of 99.3%. The overall postoperative complication rate was 0.65% and no death was recorded in the total cohort. Notably, the morbidity in LTCBDE is 0.53%. Retained CBD stones were diagnosed in 2 patients and managed by ERCP successfully. In the LTCBDE cohort, the median duration of operation was 78 (60-100) min and the median postoperative hospital stay was 1 (1-2) days. Overall, at a mean follow-up of 4.1 (2.3-6.1) years, recurrent CBD stones occurred in 1.1% and all-cause mortality in 0.6%. LTCBDE should be considered the favored choice in the diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis but negative MRCP undergoing LC.

Protocol for the CREST Choles (Chinese REgistry Study on Treatment of Cholecysto-Choledocholithiasis) study: an ambispective, multicenter, observational, open-cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The best approach for choledocholithiasis remains a matter of debate. Choledocholithiasis is usually treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) or laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE). Data pertaining to the clinical outcomes of these approaches in the management of patients with cholecysto-choledocholithiasis in China are limited. An analysis of the economic burden associated with these treatments is lacking. The Chinese REgistry Study on the Treatment of Cholecysto-Choledocholithiasis (CREST Choles) was designed to address these issues in a real-world setting.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

CREST Choles was an ambispective, multicenter, observational, open-cohort study. A total of 2700 patients undergoing one of the three treatments (EST+laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), LCBDE+LC and LTCBDE+LC) during the period from 1 January 2013 to 1 December 2018 at participating centres were enrolled in the study. Patients with gallstones and confirmed common bile duct stones were included. Data pertaining to demographics, disease history, procedural details, imaging features and follow-up were collected. Follow-up was conducted at least 6 months after enrolment in the study and annual follow-up will be conducted until December 2020. The primary outcome is the rate of adverse outcomes within 3 years postoperatively. Economic analysis (eg, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) would be performed to compare expense across treatments.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained at all participating centres. The registry presented is the first attempt to comprehensively evaluate the cost of treatment for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis in China. Findings are expected to be available in 2020 and will facilitate clinical decision making in such cases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02554097.

T-tube-free single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus cholecystectomy: a single centre experience

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to explore the indications and feasibility of T-tube-free trans-umbilical single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (SILCBDE) plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for treating choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital (Shengjing Hospital) of China Medical University from January 2010 to January 2017 with the diagnosis of common bile duct stones and treated with T-tube-free trans-umbilical single-incision LC plus common bile duct exploration were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 37 male/female choledocholithiasis patients (mean age 65 years, range 29-86) were treated with T-tube-free trans-umbilical SILCBDE plus LC. No intraoperative complication or conversion to open surgery occurred in any of the cases. The mean operative time was 99.8 min (range 84-125) for endoscopic nasobiliary drainage group (n = 6), 113.8 min (range 70-150) for endoscopic retrogradebiliary drainage group (n = 2), 131.1 min (range 75-161) for pigtail J-tube group (n = 24), 113.7 min (range 100-150) for primary closure group (n = 5). The mean post-operative hospital stay length was 5.5 days (range 4-7) for endoscopic nasobiliary drainage group, 12.5 days (range 10-15) for endoscopic retrogradebiliary drainage group, 6.5 days (range 4-10) for J-tube group, 5.8 days (range 4-9) for primary closure group. Pancreatitis, bile leakage and peritonitis were not presented in any of the group. After 17-101 months follow-up, three patients presented recurrent common bile duct stones.

CONCLUSION

In selected cases, T-tube-free trans-umbilical SILCBDE plus LC is feasible and safe for experienced surgeons, and can achieve similar therapeutic effects as common LC plus common bile duct exploration procedures.

Single-stage approach for the management of choledocolithiasis with concomitant cholelithiasis. Implementation of a protocol in a secondary hospital

BACKGROUND

Current evidence shows that single-stage treatment of concomitant choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis is as effective and safe as two-stage treatment. However, several studies suggest that single-stage approach requires shorter hospitalization time and is more cost-effective than the two-stage approach, even though it requires considerable training. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a protocol for managing concomitant choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis using single-stage treatment.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis who were treated with the single-stage treatment - transcystic instrumentation, choledocotomy or intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - between September 2010 and June 2017 was assessed. The primary outcomes were complications, hospital stay, operative time and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

164 patients were enrolled. 141 (86%) were operated laparoscopically. Preoperatively diagnosed stones were not found by intraoperative imaging or disappeared after "flushing" in 38 patients (23.2%). Surgical approach was transcystic in 45 patients (27.41%), choledochotomy in 74 (45.1%), intraoperative ERCP in 4 (2.4%), and bilioenteric derivation in 3 (1.8%). Mean hospitalization stay was 4.4 days. Mean operative time was 166 min 27 patients (16.5%) had complications and 1 patient was exitus (0.6%). Recurrence rate was 1.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-stage approach is a safe and effective management option for concomitant cholelithiasis and choledocolithiasis. Furthermore, a significant number of common bile duct stones pass spontaneously to duodenum or can benefit from a transcystic approach, with presumable low morbidity and cost-efficiency.

Strategies of minimally invasive treatment for intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones

Cholelithiasis is a kind of common and multiple diseases. In recent years, traditional laparotomy has been challenged by a minimally invasive surgery. Through literature review, the therapeutic method, effect, and complications of minimally invasive treatment of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones by combining our practical experience were summarized as follows. (1) For intrahepatic bile duct stones, the operation may be selected by laparoscopic liver resection, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. (2) For concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones, the surgical approach can be selected as follows: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) or endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, LC plus laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration, LC plus LCBDE, and T-tube drainage or primary suture. (3) For concomitant intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones, laparoscopic liver resection, choledochoscopy through the hepatic duct orifice on the hepatectomy cross section, LCBDE, EST, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy could be used. According to the abovementioned principle, the minimally invasive treatment approach combined with the surgical technique and equipment condition will be significant in improving the therapeutic effect and avoiding the postoperative complications or hidden dangers of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones.

Laparoscopic Transcystic Treatment Biliary Calculi by Laser Lithotripsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) is a complex procedure requiring expertise in laparoscopic and choledochoscopic skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of treating biliary calculi through laparoscopic transcystic exploration of the CBD via an ultrathin choledochoscope combined with dual-frequency laser lithotripsy.

METHODS

From August 2011 through September 2014, 89 patients at our hospital were treated for cholecystolithiasis with biliary calculi. Patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and exploration of the CBD via the cystic duct and the choledochoscope instrument channel. A dual-band, dual-pulse laser lithotripsy system was used to destroy the calculi. Two intermittent laser emissions (intensity, 0.12 J; pulse width 1.2 μs; and pulse frequency, 10 Hz) were applied during each contact with the calculi. The stones were washed out by water injection or removed by a stone-retrieval basket.

RESULTS

Biliary calculi were removed in 1 treatment in all 89 patients. No biliary tract injury or bile leakage was observed. Follow-up examination with type-B ultrasonography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography 3 months after surgery revealed no instances of retained-calculi-related biliary tract stenosis.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of laparoscopic transcystic CBD exploration by ultrathin choledochoscopy and dual-frequency laser lithotripsy offers an accurate, convenient, safe, effective method of treating biliary calculi.

Strategy of minimally invasive surgery for patients with intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones

Cholelithiasis is a common, frequently occurring disease. In recent years, traditional laparotomy is challenged by minimally invasive surgery. Through literature review combined with our practical experience based on the present situation of minimally invasive treatment of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones, a strategy for improving the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment is discussed as follows: (1) For intrahepatic bile duct stones, laparoscopic hepatectomy, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy can be chosen according to the indications; (2) For concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) + endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) or endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD), LC + laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE), LC + LCBDE + T tube drainage or primary suture can be chosen according to the indications; (3) For concomitant intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones, laparoscopic liver resection, choledochoscopy through the hepatic duct orifice on the hepatectomy cross-section, LCBDE, EST, or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy could be chosen according to the indications. Reasonable selection of minimally invasive treatments according to this strategy is of great significance to improve the therapeutic effect for intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones.

LABEL procedure: Laser-Assisted Bile duct Exploration by Laparoendoscopy for choledocholithiasis: improving surgical outcomes and reducing technical failure

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) is recommended in current treatment guidelines for the management of choledocholithiasis with gallbladder in situ. Failure of this technique is common as a consequence of large or impacted common bile duct (CBD) stones. In this series, we present our experience in using holmium laser lithotripsy as an adjunct to LBDE for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2016, eighteen laparoscopic bile duct explorations utilising holmium laser lithotripsy were performed after failure of standard retrieval techniques.

RESULTS

Choledocholithiasis was successfully treated in 18 patients using laparoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (transcystically in 14 patients). There was one failure where a CBD stricture prevented the scope reaching the stone. Two medical complications were recorded (Clavien-Dindo I and II). There were no mortalities or re-interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

LABEL technique is a successful and safe method to enhance LBDE in cases of impacted or large stones. In our experience, this approach increases the feasibility of the transcystic stone retrieval and may reduce overall operative time.

Learning curve and outcome of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND

The best approach for cholecystocholedocholithiasis remains a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical aspects, learning curve and outcome of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE).

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with LTCBDE between January 2007 and December 2012 were identified from an institutional database. Data on preoperative investigations, intraoperative and postoperative findings were retrieved retrospectively from the patients' hospital notes.

RESULTS

There were 399 women (56·4 per cent) and 309 men (43·6 per cent), with a median age of 58 (range 18-87) years. Microincision (incision of the cystic duct at the confluence with the common bile duct (CBD) with extension of only 3-5 mm at the lateral margin of the CBD) and lithotripsy were used in the transcystic exploration in 119 patients, and increased the success rate of LTCBDE from 74·2 to 91·0 per cent. The median duration of operation was 85 (i.q.r. 65-120) min and the median postoperative hospital stay was 2 (1-3) days. Retained common bile duct stones were observed in 13 patients, and postoperative complications developed in 27 patients. The cumulative sum duration of operation learning curve comprised two phases; phase 1 included the first 250 patients and phase 2 the remaining 458 patients. Duration of operation and postoperative hospital stay decreased with increasing volume per surgeon. Recurrence of common bile duct stones was diagnosed in 26 patients during a median follow-up of 4 years.

CONCLUSION

LTCBDE with or without microincision and/or lithotripsy is a safe and effective approach.