Cystic Duct Diameter as a Key Predictor for Closure Difficulties in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background Although a 5 mm diameter metal clip is commonly employed for cystic duct (CD) closure, it may sometimes be inadequate due to CD dilation. Various widely used preoperative scoring systems can predict the difficulty of intraoperative manipulations, but these systems do not mention CD closure methods. In this study, we identified several preoperative factors related to these instances. Methodology We selected 192 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institute. The standard group comprised cases of CD closure with a 5 mm metal clip, while the unusual group included cases of CD closure involving 10 mm or larger clips, suturing, ligation, or a laparoscopic stapler. The CD diameter was measured using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging. Results In total, 20 (13%) cases of gallbladder stones were treated via unusual methods. A univariate analysis showed that the occurrence of common bile duct (CBD) stones and the frequency of use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography were higher in the unusual group compared with the standard group, and CBD and CD diameter values were greater in the unusual group. Moreover, CD anatomical variations were also associated with the use of unusual methods for CD closure. The cutoff values for CD and CBD diameters were 4.22 mm and 6.25 mm, respectively. A multivariate analysis indicated that CD dilation (>4.22 mm) was strongly associated with difficulties in CD closure. Conclusions If CD dilation is detected via preoperative MRCP imaging, the surgeon should carefully consider the type of CD closure method to be employed.