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Bile Duct Stones (bile + duct_stone)
Kinds of Bile Duct Stones Selected AbstractsMANAGEMENT OF THE BILE DUCT STONE: CURRENT SITUATION IN JAPANDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2010Ichiro Yasuda Endoscopic treatment is now recognized as the standard treatment for common bile duct stones worldwide. Endoscopic treatment routinely involves endoscopic sphincterotomy in most countries including Japan and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation is also a widely used alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy in Japan. Surgery in any form, including laparoscopic surgery, is mainly performed when endoscopic treatments are unsuccessful or unfavorable. Other therapeutic modalities considered under certain circumstances include lithotripsy under the guidance of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy, peroral cholangioscopy, or enteroscopy; electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy; and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. [source] ALTERNATIVE METHODS IN THE ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF DIFFICULT COMMON BILE DUCT STONESDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2010Dong Ki Lee The endoscopic method is accepted as a first treatment modality in the management of extrahepatic bile duct. Most large stones can be removed with basket and mechanical lithotripsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Currently, in treating large extrahepatic bile duct stones, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with mid-incision endoscopic sphincterotomy is actively performed instead of applying mechanical lithotripsy after full endoscopic sphincterotomy. Herein, we describe the conceptions, proper indications, methods and complications of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with regards to currently published reports. In addition, intracorporeal lithotripsy by peroral cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim upper endoscope is introduced, which is more convenient than previous conventional intracorporeal lithotripsy methods using mother,baby endoscopy or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Lastly, biliary stenting with the choleretic agent administration method is briefly reviewed as an alternative treatment option for frail and elderly patients with large impacted common bile duct stones. [source] RISK FACTORS FOR RECURRENT BILE DUCT STONES AFTER ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATION: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP STUDYDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2009Akira Ohashi Background:, Little is known about the long-term results of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for bile duct stones. Methods:, Between 1995 and 2000, 204 patients with bile duct stones successfully underwent EPBD and stone removal. Complete stone clearance was confirmed using balloon cholangiography and intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS). Long-term outcomes of EPBD were investigated retrospectively in the year 2007, and risk factors for stone recurrence were multivariately analyzed. Results:, Long-term information was available in 182 cases (89.2%), with a mean overall follow-up duration of 9.3 years. Late biliary complications occurred in 22 patients (12.1%), stone recurrence in 13 (7.1%), cholangitis in 10 (5.5%), cholecystitis in four, and gallstone pancreatitis in one. In 11 of 13 patients (84.6%), stone recurrence developed within 3 years after EPBD. All recurrent stones were bilirubinate. Multivariate analysis identified three risk factors for stone recurrence: dilated bile duct (>15 mm), previous cholecystectomy, and no confirmation of clean duct using IDUS. Conclusion:, Approximately 7% of patients develop stone recurrence after EPBD; however, retreatment with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is effective. Careful follow up is necessary in patients with dilated bile duct or previous cholecystectomy. IDUS is useful for reducing stone recurrence after EPBD. [source] COMPARING BALLOON DIAMETER ON PERFORMING ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATATION WITH ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE DRIP INFUSION FOR REMOVAL OF BILE DUCT STONESDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2004Hiroshi Nakagawa Background:, Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) is one of the methods to remove bile duct stones. EPBD might preserve the function of the sphincter of Oddi despite the potential risk of acute pancreatitis. There are only a few reports of EPBD reducing the risk of acute pancreatitis and, at same time, preserving the function of the sphincter of Oddi. Methods:, We performed EPBD for bile duct stone removal in 60 patients using two balloons with different diameters. Patients were randomized to EPBD with a 6 mm balloon (n = 30) or an 8 mm balloon (n = 30). In both groups, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) was infused in a rate of 5 mg/h while low pressure EPBD were being performed. The pressure of the sphincter of Oddi was observed before and after the EPBD procedures. Also, serum amylase level after EPBD was observed for both groups. Results:, Serum amylase level of the 6 mm group was signi,cantly higher than that of the 8 mm group (P < 0.05). Acute pancreatitis occurred in two patients ( 6.7%) in the 6 mm group whereas no case was observed for the 8 mm group. The rates of duct clearance were 93% in the 6 mm group and 100% in the 8 mm group. Stone removals were dif,cult in seven cases with 6 mm balloon dilatations due to the narrow ori,ces of the papilla. In the 6 mm group, there was no signi,cant difference between the basal sphincter of Oddi pressure (BSOP) and the phasic sphincter of Oddi pressure (PSOP) before and after EPBD. However in the 8 mm group, the BSOP observed after the EPBD procedure was signi,cantly higher than BSOP before the treatments. Within this group, BSOP values after EPBD were preserved by approximately 80% of the BSOP values before the treatments. In contrast, there was no signi,cant difference in PSOP before and after the treatments. Regarding the stone numbers, no signi,cant difference was observed in BSOP before and after the treatments for the 6 mm group with less than two stones. Also, as for stone size, no signi,cant difference was observed in BSOP before and after the treatments for the 6 mm group with stones of less than 6 mm in diameter. Conclusion:, We are now conducting EPBD with ISDN infusion using a 6 mm balloon for a patient who has less than two stones with size not exceeding 6 mm in diameter. An 8 mm balloon is used for a patient with more than two stones or a stone greater than 6 mm in size. [source] PROBLEMS INHERENT TO BALLOON DILATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF COMMON BILE DUCT STONES IN COMPARISON WITH ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMYDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2000Masao Tanaka First page of article [source] A case of cholecystohepatic duct with atrophic common hepatic ductHPB, Issue 4 2003A Schofield Background Cholecystohepatic ducts are rare congenital variants of the biliary tree. Case outline An 81-year-old woman presented with biliary colic and elevated liver function tests. An ERCP demonstrated a common bile duct stone and stricture of the common hepatic duct. An operative cholangiogram demonstrated an atrophic common hepatic duct and retrograde filling of the gallbladder through a large cholecystoheptic duct. The patient had a cholecystectomy and reconstructive cholecystohepatic duct jejunostomy. Discussion This case demonstrates a rare congenital anomaly where the gallbladder fills retrograde during an intraoperative cholangiogram despite clipping of the cystic duct. The major path of biliary drainage was through a large cholecystoheptic duct similar to a gallbladder interposition; however, the common hepatic duct was still present but atrophic. This anomaly has not been described previously. [source] LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: AN AUDIT OF OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMEANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2005Swee Ho Lim Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a commonly performed procedure in general surgical practice but it also has an inherently steep learning curve. The training of surgeons in this procedure presents a challenge to teaching hospitals, which essentially have to strike a balance between effective training and safety of the patient. The present study aims first to assess the safety of the structured training programme for this procedure at the Department of Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore. Secondly, it seeks to audit the conversion and bile duct injury rates among the laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by the department, and the factors which influence these. Methods: Notes of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the department over an 18-month period were reviewed retrospectively and the relevant data prospectively collected. Demographics, as well as details of cases of conversion to open operation and of bile duct injury were identified and the reasons for each recorded. Results: A total of 443 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the 18-month period. The most common indication for surgery was biliary colic/dyspepsia (61.4%), followed by cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis and common bile duct stone. The overall conversion rate was 11.5%. Three hundred and fifty-five patients were operated on by consultant surgeons, while 88 were by registrars who had been through the structured training programme. There was no statistically significant difference found in the conversion rates between these two groups (P = 0.284). Twenty-two of the 268 female (8.2%) patients had conversion to open operation, while 29 of the 175 male patients (16.6%) underwent conversion (P = 0.007). Amongst cases of cholecystitis and cholangitis, the conversion rate for patients operated on within 7 days of onset of symptoms was 35%, while those operated on 8 or more days later had a conversion rate of 29.7% (P = 0.639). There was a solitary case of bile duct injury among the 443 cases, equating to a bile duct injury rate of 0.23%. Conclusion: A structured training programme involving stepwise progression of training, with close supervision by consultant surgeons and a built-in system of audit can effectively train junior surgeons in laparoscopic cholecystectomy without exposing patients to undue risks. [source] ALTERNATIVE METHODS IN THE ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF DIFFICULT COMMON BILE DUCT STONESDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2010Dong Ki Lee The endoscopic method is accepted as a first treatment modality in the management of extrahepatic bile duct. Most large stones can be removed with basket and mechanical lithotripsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Currently, in treating large extrahepatic bile duct stones, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with mid-incision endoscopic sphincterotomy is actively performed instead of applying mechanical lithotripsy after full endoscopic sphincterotomy. Herein, we describe the conceptions, proper indications, methods and complications of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with regards to currently published reports. In addition, intracorporeal lithotripsy by peroral cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim upper endoscope is introduced, which is more convenient than previous conventional intracorporeal lithotripsy methods using mother,baby endoscopy or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Lastly, biliary stenting with the choleretic agent administration method is briefly reviewed as an alternative treatment option for frail and elderly patients with large impacted common bile duct stones. [source] RISK FACTORS FOR RECURRENT BILE DUCT STONES AFTER ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATION: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP STUDYDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2009Akira Ohashi Background:, Little is known about the long-term results of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for bile duct stones. Methods:, Between 1995 and 2000, 204 patients with bile duct stones successfully underwent EPBD and stone removal. Complete stone clearance was confirmed using balloon cholangiography and intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS). Long-term outcomes of EPBD were investigated retrospectively in the year 2007, and risk factors for stone recurrence were multivariately analyzed. Results:, Long-term information was available in 182 cases (89.2%), with a mean overall follow-up duration of 9.3 years. Late biliary complications occurred in 22 patients (12.1%), stone recurrence in 13 (7.1%), cholangitis in 10 (5.5%), cholecystitis in four, and gallstone pancreatitis in one. In 11 of 13 patients (84.6%), stone recurrence developed within 3 years after EPBD. All recurrent stones were bilirubinate. Multivariate analysis identified three risk factors for stone recurrence: dilated bile duct (>15 mm), previous cholecystectomy, and no confirmation of clean duct using IDUS. Conclusion:, Approximately 7% of patients develop stone recurrence after EPBD; however, retreatment with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is effective. Careful follow up is necessary in patients with dilated bile duct or previous cholecystectomy. IDUS is useful for reducing stone recurrence after EPBD. [source] COMPARING BALLOON DIAMETER ON PERFORMING ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATATION WITH ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE DRIP INFUSION FOR REMOVAL OF BILE DUCT STONESDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2004Hiroshi Nakagawa Background:, Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) is one of the methods to remove bile duct stones. EPBD might preserve the function of the sphincter of Oddi despite the potential risk of acute pancreatitis. There are only a few reports of EPBD reducing the risk of acute pancreatitis and, at same time, preserving the function of the sphincter of Oddi. Methods:, We performed EPBD for bile duct stone removal in 60 patients using two balloons with different diameters. Patients were randomized to EPBD with a 6 mm balloon (n = 30) or an 8 mm balloon (n = 30). In both groups, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) was infused in a rate of 5 mg/h while low pressure EPBD were being performed. The pressure of the sphincter of Oddi was observed before and after the EPBD procedures. Also, serum amylase level after EPBD was observed for both groups. Results:, Serum amylase level of the 6 mm group was signi,cantly higher than that of the 8 mm group (P < 0.05). Acute pancreatitis occurred in two patients ( 6.7%) in the 6 mm group whereas no case was observed for the 8 mm group. The rates of duct clearance were 93% in the 6 mm group and 100% in the 8 mm group. Stone removals were dif,cult in seven cases with 6 mm balloon dilatations due to the narrow ori,ces of the papilla. In the 6 mm group, there was no signi,cant difference between the basal sphincter of Oddi pressure (BSOP) and the phasic sphincter of Oddi pressure (PSOP) before and after EPBD. However in the 8 mm group, the BSOP observed after the EPBD procedure was signi,cantly higher than BSOP before the treatments. Within this group, BSOP values after EPBD were preserved by approximately 80% of the BSOP values before the treatments. In contrast, there was no signi,cant difference in PSOP before and after the treatments. Regarding the stone numbers, no signi,cant difference was observed in BSOP before and after the treatments for the 6 mm group with less than two stones. Also, as for stone size, no signi,cant difference was observed in BSOP before and after the treatments for the 6 mm group with stones of less than 6 mm in diameter. Conclusion:, We are now conducting EPBD with ISDN infusion using a 6 mm balloon for a patient who has less than two stones with size not exceeding 6 mm in diameter. An 8 mm balloon is used for a patient with more than two stones or a stone greater than 6 mm in size. [source] Management of common bile duct stones: controversies and future perspectivesHPB, Issue 3 200431 May 200, Istanbul, Presented at the 5th European Congress of the IHPBA, Turkey First page of article [source] Recurrent bile duct stones after transduodenal sphincteroplastyHPB, Issue 2 2002SMG Kibria Background Transduodenal sphincteroplasty (TDS) offers permanent prophylaxis against further stones in the common bile duct (CBD) by allowing continuous free efflux of bile from the papilla. Patients and resultsIn a personal series of 267 consecutive operations, four patients underwent further treatment for recurrent CBD stones during a median follow-up of 12 years. Three of them received Roux-en-Y biliary diversion and had no further symptoms; the fourth patient remains well four years after endoscopic extraction of stones. Discussion Recurrent stone formation is rare after an adequate TDS and probably reflects retained food debris within the CBD. Initial treatment may be endoscopic, but biliary diversion is needed for those with recurrent symptoms. [source] Preoperative determinants of common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 11 2008A. J. Sheen Summary Introduction:, The aim of this study is to determine whether there are any clinical or biochemical predictors of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods:, A prospective database of nearly 1000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed under the care of a single surgeon with a standardised technique between 1999 and 2006, was analysed. Clinical presentation, ultrasound and immediate preoperative biochemical results as well as the operative cholangiogram findings were reviewed. Routine cholangiography was attempted in most patients and the primary outcome variable was the detection of bile duct stones. The data was analysed using chi-squared test for categorical variables. The significant variables on univariate analysis were further characterised to identify the independent predictors of bile duct stones using a logistic regression model (significance p < 0.05). Results:, A total of 757 of 988 patients (77%) underwent cholangiography. Male-to-female ratio was 1 : 3 with a median age of 54 years (range: 17,93). Ten per cent of patients had bile duct stones identified on cholangiography. On univariate analysis, jaundice (p = 0.019), cholangitis (p < 0.001), alanine transaminase > 100 (p = 0.024), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) > 350 (p < 0.001) and CBD > 10 mm (p = 0.01) were significant markers for predicting bile duct stones. Bilirubin > 30 (×2 normal) was found not to be significant (p = 0.145). On a logistic regression model, ALP > 350 and/or cholangitis were found to be independent predictive factors of CBD stones (odds ratio 6.1). Conclusions:, If a policy of routine intra-operative cholangiography is not adopted, a history of cholangitis or a raised ALP immediately preoperatively should lead to a high suspicion of CBD stones. [source] Tissue harmonic sonography in the diagnosis of common bile duct stones: A comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiographyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 9 2009Tomás Ripollés MD Abstract Purpose To revisit the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in the detection of choledocholithiasis using modern equipment with tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy as the gold standard. Methods A total of 107 patients with clinically suspected choledocholithiasis were examined with THI before undergoing ERCP. The sonographic findings that were prospectively evaluated included the presence of choledocholithiasis, size of common bile duct, sonographic view and patient position that best visualized the stone(s), visualization of the distal common duct, and duration of examination. The accuracy of sonography compared with ERCP and sphincterotomy was calculated. Results Sonography correctly detected stones in 65 of 76 patients (sensitivity of 86%). The specificity and the overall accuracy were 87% and 86%, respectively. The sensitivity of sonography was higher with dilated extrahepatic duct (44% in patients with common bile duct measuring less than 6 mm in diameter, 82% between 6 and 10 mm, and 100% with common bile duct larger than 10 mm). The lateral approach with the patient in left lateral decubitus position of the patient was the most effective in 47% of the cases. Conclusion Sonography with THI is an accurate technique for the detection of choledocholithiasis that may be used as the first-choice technique to avoid unnecessary procedures in a high percentage of patients, especially those with dilated biliary tree. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009 [source] LONG-TERM OUTCOMES AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC BILE DUCT EXPLORATION: A 5-YEAR FOLLOW UP OF 150 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTSANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2008Andrew J. M. Campbell-Lloyd Background: The treatment of common bile duct stones discovered at routine intraoperative cholangiography includes postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or intraoperative laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Given the equivalence of short-term outcome data for these two techniques, the choice of one over the other may be influenced by long-term follow-up data. We aimed to establish the long-term outcomes following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and compare this with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration between March 1998 and March 2006 carried out by a single surgeon. All were prospectively studied for 1 month followed by a late-term phone questionnaire ascertaining the prevalence of adverse symptoms. Patients presented with a standardized series of questions, with reports of symptoms corroborated by review of medical records. Results: In 150 patients, operations included laparoscopic transcystic exploration (135), choledochotomy (10) and choledochoduodenostomy (2). At long-term follow up (mean 63 months), 116 (77.3%) patients were traceable, with 24 (20.7%) reporting an episode of pain and 18 (15.5%) had more than a single episode of pain. There was no long-term evidence of cholangitis, stricture or pancreatitis identified in any patient. Conclusion: Laparoscopic bile duct exploration appears not to increase the incidence of long-term adverse sequelae beyond the reported prevalence of postcholecystectomy symptoms. There was no incidence of bile duct stricture, cholangitis or pancreatitis. It is a safe procedure, which obviates the need and expense of preoperative or postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in most instances. [source] Surgical strategies in the laparoscopic therapy of cholecystolithiasis and common duct stonesANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 8 2002Kaja Ludwig Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the current approach and different strategies adopted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Germany. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted at 859 (n = 1200; 67.6%) hospitals in Germany. Data from 123 090 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy were analysed. Results: 71.9% of the operations were finished laparoscopically (n= 88 537) whereas 22.5% were carried out using the open technique. Conversion to open surgery was required in 7.1% of the laparoscopically started operations. When common bile duct stones were diagnosed preoperatively, 74.4% of the participants favoured the primary endoscopic extraction, following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In cases of intraoperative diagnoses, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was finished and postoperative primary endoscopic extraction was carried out in more than half of the hospitals (58.4%). Sixteen per cent converted to an open operation with simultaneous exploration of the common duct. Laparoscopic desobstruction of the common bile duct was extremely rare (4.4%). Compared with open cholecystectomy, the results show a lower incidence of postoperative reinterventions (0.9 vs 1.8%) and fatal outcomes (0.04 vs 0.53%) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In contrast, common bile duct injuries were more frequent in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (0.32 vs 0.12%). The median duration of hospitalization was 6.1 days (range: 2.8,12) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group compared with 10.4 days (range: 3,28) in the open cholecystectomy group. Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard procedure for the treatment of uncomplicated gallstone disease. There are reasonable differences between the hospitals in type of cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, management of common duct stones and intraoperative diagnostics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, even after adjustment for differences in patient comorbidities. [source] The value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in predicting common bile duct stones in patients with gallstone disease,BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 1 2003B. Topal Background: The application of available predictive scoring systems for the detection of common bile duct (CBD) stones has not reduced the number of patients who undergo unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The aim of this study was to create a predictive model for CBD stones and to assess the value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in prediction. Methods: In 1998, 366 patients with gallstone disease (118 males, 248 females; mean age 57 (range 8,84) years) underwent cholecystectomy. Statistical analysis was performed on patient data obtained at the time of first presentation. Results: CBD stones were demonstrated in 43 (12 per cent) of 366 patients. The predictive model for common duct stones included ultrasonography showing CBD stones or bile duct dilatation, age greater than 60 years, fever, serum alkaline phosphatase level above 670 units/l and serum amylase level above 95 units/l. In patients with a predicted probability greater than 5 per cent, CBD stones were present in 11 per cent, compared with 1 per cent in patients with a probability of 5 per cent or less. MRCP had an observed sensitivity of 95 per cent, specificity of 100 per cent, positive predictive value of 100 per cent and negative predictive value of 98 per cent. Conclusion: In patients with a predicted probability for CBD stones of more than 5 per cent, MRCP is recommended in order to confirm the presence or absence of stones and as guidance in further management. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd [source] All-comers policy for laparoscopic exploration of the common bile ductBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 12 2002Mr M. H. Thompson Background: Laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct is associated with substantial variation in results suggesting that different patient populations are being reported. This report observes the results in a defined population and on an intention-to-treat basis. Methods: All patients with suspected bile duct stones who were fit for surgery from April 1994 were offered laparoscopic bile duct exploration. There were 224 patients of mean age 56 years, of whom 174 were women. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was used in 149 patients deemed unfit for surgery. All data were recorded prospectively and checked at the time of discharge. Patients were followed up after 6 months and beyond after the operation. Results: Stones were removed transcystically in 56 patients, transductally in 158 and by flushing in nine. The duct clearance rate was 96 per cent overall, 98 per cent for transcystic and 94 per cent for transductal exploration. Intracorporeal lithotripsy safely reduced the failure rate of exploration from seven of the first 28 to four of the subsequent 196 procedures. Biliary complications occurred in 16 per cent of procedures in which a T tube was used but only 4 per cent if the duct was closed by suturing. Conversion to open operation for severe gallbladder inflammation was necessary in 6 per cent of patients. There were no deaths, bile duct injuries or pancreatitis but complications occurred in 19 per cent, associated with use of T tubes and advancing age. Laparoscopic duct exploration succeeded in seven patients after previous cholecystectomy. Conclusion: Laparoscopic bile duct exploration is effective and safe when used for all patients. For young and fit patients it should replace endoscopic sphincterotomy. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Potential of laparoscopic ultrasonography as an alternative to operative cholangiography in the detection of bile duct stonesBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 1 2001S. E. Tranter Background: Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is time consuming, requires radiation and sometimes fails. In contrast, laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) is a comparatively quick, safe and non-invasive technique. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of LUS as an alternative to IOC. Methods: LUS was performed on 367 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic duct exploration was performed in the presence of duct stones. Data were collected prospectively. The presence or absence and number of duct stones detected by LUS were recorded. The maximum bile duct diameter determined by LUS was compared with a preoperative ultrasonographic measurement according to age and the presence of duct stones. The final arbiter was the demonstration of stones removed at laparoscopic duct exploration (59 patients) or subsequently by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (two patients). Results: LUS visualized the CBD in 99 per cent of patients and the common hepatic duct in 92 per cent. It identified stones in 56 of the 61 patients with duct stones. No stones were demonstrated in the remaining 306 patients (sensitivity 92 per cent, specificity 100 per cent, positive predictive value 100 per cent, negative predictive value 98 per cent). LUS underestimated the total number of stones in 18 per cent of patients with common duct stones. The mean common bile duct diameter was 5·0 mm before operation and 5·9 mm during the procedure in patients without duct stones, rising significantly to a mean of 9·2 mm before operation and 11·2 mm at LUS in those with duct stones (P < 0·0001). Conclusion: The combination of the demonstration of duct stones and bile duct diameter measurement makes LUS a potential replacement for IOC. Improved demonstration of the common hepatic duct would be advantageous. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] | ||||||||||