A simple novel method of biliary drainage: gallbladder serosal wrapping after open choledochotomy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biliary System Surgery

Background:

• Choledocholithiasis, the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct, often requires surgical intervention.
• Open choledochotomy is a procedure to remove these stones, necessitating effective biliary drainage post-surgery.
• Existing drainage techniques can be complex or associated with complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new, simple technique for biliary drainage following open choledochotomy for choledocholithiasis.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this novel technique in a clinical setting.
• To determine if this method can reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay.

Main Methods:

• A technique involving gallbladder serosal wrapping to enclose a polyethylene tube (C-tube) was developed.
• The C-tube was inserted from the cystic duct into the common bile duct after stone removal was confirmed.
• The procedure was performed on 8 patients undergoing open choledochotomy for choledocholithiasis.

Main Results:

• The technique successfully provided biliary drainage without bile leakage or residual bile duct stones in all 8 patients.
• The C-tube was safely removed after 7 days post-surgery.
• The average hospital stay was reduced to 12.3 ± 6.6 days.

Conclusions:

• The described gallbladder serosal wrapping technique for biliary drainage is simple, safe, and effective.
• This novel approach shows promise in minimizing complications and shortening hospital stays after open choledochotomy for choledocholithiasis.
• Further studies are warranted to validate these findings in a larger patient cohort.