Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Followed by Primary Suture Using a Modified Bile Duct Incision
Published on: May 2, 2025
Laparoscopic T-tube placement after common bile duct exploration: a simple technique
Pradeep Kumar1, Mavis Orizu, Edmund Leung
1Department of General Surgery, Queen's Hospital, Burton, UK.
Introduction:
Laparoscopic T-tube insertion into common bile duct (CBD) can be technically challenging. We describe a technique to facilitate CBD T-tube placement.
Method:
The T-limb was cut to appropriate size and guttered along one-third of its circumference lengthwise. One end of T-limb was secured to the long stem using a tie. The free end was introduced into the abdomen through the epigastric port. Using nontraumatic graspers, this free end was advanced into the CBD. Once the whole of T-limb was inside, the tie was cut, and the T-tube would spring into place. Choledochotomy was sutured snugly around the T-tube. The long limb was taken out through the lateral port of the abdominal wall.
Results:
There was no dislodgment or removal difficulty in all cases. This manoeuvre required <1 minute.
Conclusions:
This technique allows reliable and easier T-tube placement into CBD, requiring no ancillary devices. It shortens the steep learning curve.
Synopsis:
Laparoscopic placement of T-tube in CBD can be safely and easily manipulated in the described technique.
