Sequential transcystic bile duct instrumentation, postoperative results in a high volume center

Abstract

Background: Cholelithiasis is one of the most common and most demanding gastrointestinal affections regarding hospital expenses. Approximately 10-15% of these patients will present choledocholithiasis. At this moment, there is no general consensus about a therapeutic approach to common bile duct lithiasis. Different experts debate about an one-stage surgical approach (laparoscopic cholecistecomy (LC) and laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) compared to a two-staged approach, combining LC and endoscopic retrograde colangio-pancreatography (ERCP).