Results of laparoscopic bile duct exploration via choledochotomy

Laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) is well established although the results via choledochotomy are relatively poorly documented. This report evaluates the results achieved by a single surgeon operating in one institution on an unselected group of patients using modern instrumentation.

Over a 3-year period, 56 consecutive patients underwent LBDE via choledochotomy utilizing flexible choledochoscopy.

The median age was 61 years (range 20-90) and the mean body mass index was 29 (21-47). There were 15 patients (27%) who had emergency operations for jaundice with a mean preoperative bilirubin level of 10 umol/L (41-248). Fourteen patients (25%) had undergone failed preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Contact electrohydraulic lithotripsy was used in 8 patients (14%) and t-tubes were inserted in 6 patients (11%) with the remainder having primary closure. There was major morbidity in 6 patients (11%) including conversion to open surgery in 1 and relaparoscopy in 3. Three patients had positive t-tube cholangiograms giving a laparoscopic clearance rate of 93% (52 patients). The median postoperative length of stay was 2.5 days (1-15). The median follow-up was 56.1 weeks (interquartile range 23.4-110.7) with no recurrent stones, strictures or late gallstone abscess.

LBDE via choledochotomy is safe and effective but there is a definite morbidity rate. It requires significant investment in equipment, and skill with flexible endoscopy and laparoscopic suturing.