Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Using a Disposable Bronchoscope

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is underutilized for common bile duct (CBD) stones.
• Barriers include lack of training and specialized instruments.
• Anatomical challenges in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients make ERCP difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of successful LCBDE using a disposable bronchoscope.
• To highlight a potential solution for instrument unavailability in LCBDE.
• To demonstrate an alternative visualization method for CBD stone management.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 61-year-old male with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and a CBD stone.
• Utilized a disposable bronchoscope for direct visualization during LCBDE.
• Performed laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for stone retrieval.

Main Results:

• Successful retrieval of the CBD stone was achieved.
• The disposable bronchoscope provided adequate visualization of the biliary tract.
• LCBDE was effectively performed despite anatomical challenges.

Conclusions:

• Disposable bronchoscopes can serve as a viable alternative for choledochoscopy in LCBDE.
• This approach may overcome instrument availability barriers.
• Offers a potential solution for managing CBD stones in complex surgical anatomy.