Primary Closure vs T-Tube Drainage Following Open Choledochotomy for CBD (Common Bile Duct) Stones

Choledocholithiasis affects 10%-15% of individuals with gallbladder stones. Approximately 7%-15% of cholecystectomy patients develop common bile duct (CBD) stones. It occurs more frequently in older age groups. It may result in a complete or partial blockage of the bile duct and present as pancreatitis or cholangitis due to gallstones.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of primary closure of duct and T-tube drainage after open choledochotomy and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of primary closure.

From January 2018 to December 2021, this descriptive study was carried out in the surgical department of the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar. In total, 60 patients who had open choledocholithotomy after a failed endoscopic extraction were included in this study. Of these, 30 (50%) patients got primary duct closure after choledochotomy, while 30 (50%) patients had T-tube insertion.

Among the total of 60 patients (primary closure: 30 and T-tube drainage: 30 patients), 10 (16%) were males, while 50 (84%) were female patients. The mean age was recorded as 45.9±13.9, and the mean hospital stay in days in both groups was 4.87±1.4 (T-tube: 5.24±1.50 and primary closure: 4.50±1.3). Complications developed in group A were a biliary leak in three (10%) patients, postoperative jaundice in two (6.5%) patients, wound infection in three (10%), intra-abdominal collection in three (10%) patients, and dislodgement of a tube in two (6.5%), while 17 (57%) patients had no complications developed.

If the duct is free of stones, as determined by preoperative choledochoscopy, primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) is a safe, cost-effective procedure with less morbidity than regular T-tube drainage after open choledochotomy.