[Can common bile duct lithiasis be removed laparoscopically without external biliary drainage?]

To evaluate the indications, feasibility and results of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones without biliary drainage.

Between 1992 and 1999, laparoscopic procedures were performed in 70 consecutive patients, mean age 60 +/- 15 years (range: 18-82). Stone removal was attempted via the cystic duct (n=25) or choledocotomy (n=45). The emptiness of the common bile duct was checked by intraoperative cholangiography or endoscopy. After choledocotomy, closure was performed by interrupted or non-interrupted suture with slowly resorbable thread. Transcystic drainage was used whenever necessary.

Nine conversions to laparotomy were necessary (12.8%). Among the 61 patients who had an exclusively laparoscopic procedure, 21 were treated via the transcystic route and 40 through choledocotomy. Biliary endoscopy was possible in only 10 of the 21 patients (47.6%) treated via the transcystic route and in all with choledocotomy. No biliary drainage was used in 16 of the 21 patients treated via the transcystic route and in 39 of the 40 treated through choledocotomy. The 30-day mortality was 1/61 (1.6%). Morbidity was 9.8% and 2 patients underwent a second laparoscopic procedure (one fistula on a choledocotomy suture, one hemoperitoneum of unknown origin). An endoscopic sphincterotomy for residual stone was necessary in 4 patients (4/61, 6.5%), 2 after choledocotomy for an unrecognized stone without biliary drainage.

These results confirm the feasibility of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones and suggest it can be performed without biliary drainage in most cases.