Laparoscopy for Hepatolithiasis: Biliary Duct Exploration with Primary Closure Versus T-Tube Drainage

A recent meta-analysis showed that the primary closure (PC) of the biliary duct in the absence of T-tube (TT) drainage is a safe alternative for cholelithiasis after laparoscopic biliary exploration. However, its feasibility, benefits, and indications in hepatolithiasis remain undefined. From October 2008 to October 2012, we enrolled 84 patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones who underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) and/or hepatectomy with TT-drainage or PC. The operative outcomes, intraoperative performance, and feasibility of the procedures were compared. Forty-one patients who underwent TT insertion were compared with 43 patients who underwent PC. No mortalities were observed following either procedure. The median postoperative hospital stay was shorter in PC (5.4 ± 3.5 days) versus TT (8.9 ± 3.2 days; P = .006). The median recovery time (full activity and return to work) was similarly shorter in the PC group (11.6 ± 5.1 days) compared with the TT group (22.4 ± 13.2 days; P = .005). The incidence of postoperative and biliary complications was lower in the PC versus the TT group. PC is beneficial in patients requiring LBDE and/or hepatectomy, and shows a similar safety profile to TT.