Pediatric Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration: An Opportunity to Decrease ERCP Complications

Laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) with common bile duct exploration (CBDE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are two therapeutic techniques for choledocholithiasis. The preferred technique is unclear.

We identified subjects who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and IOC/CBDE or ERCP from July 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016. We retrospectively reviewed 81 patients (≤ 18 y) who received these interventions for suspected choledocholithiasis. Main outcomes analyzed were success of intervention and complications.

Of the 81 patients, 21 ERCPs and three endoscopic ultrasounds (EUSs) were performed before LC. Eighteen of 21 (85.7%) patients had stones or sludge cleared by ERCP, whereas 3 (14.3%) had normal common bile ducts without evidence of stones. Five of 24 (20.8%) had significant post-ERCP complications. Seven of 24 (29.2%) had more than one admission. Sixty of 81 patients underwent LC with IOC ± CBDE. Twenty one of 60 (36.2%) were found to have abnormal IOC. Eight of 15 (53.3%) attempted laparoscopic CBDE were successful. Eleven of 21 (52.4%) patients with abnormal IOC had post-LC ERCP (10) and EUS (1). Patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery service were more likely to undergo LC first than ERCP/EUS (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.26 to 9.45, P = 0.016). Patients undergoing LC first had a shorter length of stay (mean LOS 5.13 d versus 4.07, median 5.0 versus 3.0 d, P-value < 0.05).

Successful and safe laparoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis is possible in the pediatric patient. A laparoscopic-first approach to suspected choledocholithiasis may reduce the number of procedures needed in this patient population.