Making common duct exploration common-balloon sphincteroplasty as an adjunct to transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for pediatric patients

Abstract

BackgroundLaparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) at the time of cholecystectomy has well-established benefits for managing pediatric choledocholithiasis. However, providers increasingly favor ERCP pre-or-post laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP+LC) due to perceived complexity of LCBDE. We refined a stepwise method employing wire-ready balloon dilation of the Sphincter of Oddi. This study compares outcomes of balloon sphincteroplasty (LCBDE+BSP) with standard transcystic LCBDE (LCBDE-STD) and ERCP+LC. MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent LCBDE-STD and LCBDE+BSP since 2018. A report of consecutive choledocholithiasis patients prior to 2018 yielded an ERCP+LC cohort. Age, operative time, complications, and length of stay (LOS) were compared across all groups. Success rate and fluoroscopy time were compared between LCBDE groups. Results44 patients were identified (14:LCBDE-STD; 15:LCBDE+BSP; 15:ERCP+LC) . There was no difference in patient age or BMI. Operative time was longer in the LCBDE+BSP group (p =< 0.05). ERCP+LC demonstrated increased LOS (4.36 ± 2.78 vs 1.31 ± 0.93; p =< 0.05) and complications compared to LCBDE groups including three stent placements and one stent migration. LCBDE+BSP had a higher success rate than LCBDE-STD (100% vs 78%; p = 0.06). The three patients who failed LCBDE-STD required postoperative ERCP. Average fluoroscopy time was not significantly impacted by addition of sphincteroplasty. ConclusionIncorporating LCBDE into standard management of pediatric choledocholithiasis reduces LOS and avoids additional invasive procedures regardless of the specific technique employed. This stepwise approach to wire-ready cholangiography with balloon sphincteroplasty is a viable method for LCBDE that utilizes techniques familiar to pediatric surgeons and provides definitive management under a single anesthetic. Level of evidenceLevel III.