[Role of ERCP in the era of videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy. Personal experience]

In subjects operated by videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy (VLC) incidence of synchronous cholecysto-choledochal stones is 7-20%. Aim of the study is to report our experience in endoscopic treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones before VLC (sequential treatment).

From January 2001 to May 2007, 189 ERCP for synchronous cholecysto-choledochal stones were performed with analgo-sedation. In selected cases antibiotics and protease inhibitors were used.

CBD clearance was 100%. The incidence of complications (mild, moderate and severe) was 8.2%, mortality 0.53% (1 patient). We observed 31 cases of transient asymptomatic hyperamilasemia (16.4%). A total of 186 subjects were operated by VLC, with only 3 conversion, without procedure-related mortality.

In our opinion, the best treatment of syncronous cholecisto-choledochal stones is related to available tools and human experience, but for an experienced surgical and endoscopic team the sequential approach is feasible, safe and effective.