Laparoscopic Choledocholithotomy With a Novel Articulating Forceps

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration with a novel articulating forceps. A retrospective analysis was carried out of 90 patients who underwent laparoscopic transcholedochal CBD exploration for choledocholithiasis between May 2006 and June 2014. Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic choledocholithotomy using the routine instruments (group A). Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic choledocholithotomy using the routine instruments plus the novel articulating forceps (group B). The 2 group populations were similar with regard to demographic data and clinical presentations. Laparoscopic transcholedochal CBD exploration was successful in all 90 patients. The mean diameter of the CBD was 14.42 mm in group A and 14.73 mm in group B (P > .05). The average number of stones extracted per patient was 4.22 in group A and 4.67 in group B (P > .05). The patients in group A had a significantly longer operative time than the patients in group B (109.38 vs 80.49 minutes; P < .01). The intraoperative blood loss was minimal in both groups, and no major complications were observed in either group. The mean hospitalization stay was 6.60 days in group A and 5.58 days in group B (P < .01). Laparoscopic transcholedochal CBD exploration with the novel articulating forceps is a safe and effective approach to the management of choledocholithiasis that offers a short operating time and short postoperative hospital stay.