Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Patients with a Previous History of Biliary Tract Surgery
Published on: February 10, 2023
Conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: predictive factors and impact on the
Carmen Payá-Llorente1, Carlos Domingo-Del Pozo1, Paula Gonzálvez-Guardiola1
1Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain.
Background:
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is an effective treatment for choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors associated with conversion during LCBDE and to assess the implications of conversion on the patients' postoperative course.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study based on patients undergoing LCBDE between 2000 and 2018 was conducted. Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed.
Results:
A total of 357 patients underwent LCBDE, and the conversion rate was 14.2%. The main reasons for conversion were lithiasis extraction (21; 41%) and difficult dissection (13; 26%). Independent predictors for conversion were increasing levels of serum bilirubin prior to surgery (OR=4.745, 95% CI: 1.390-16.198; p=0.013), and emergency setting (OR=4.144, 95% CI: 1.449-11.846; p=0.008). Age was independently associated with lower odds of conversion (OR=0.979, 95% CI: 0.960-0.999; p=0.036). Conversion had a negative impact on the patients' postoperative course, including severe complication (21.6% vs. 5.2% p<0.001) and surgical reintervention (11.8% vs. 2.6% p=0.002) rates.
Conclusion:
Conversion to open surgery during LCBDE was associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Emergency surgery and increasing levels of serum bilirubin previous to surgery independently increase the probability of conversion; however age was independently associated with lower odds of conversion.
