Squential treatment of extrahepatic bile duct calculus using the technique of three-endoscope-combination in one anesthetic session

Abstract

Objective A retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility of the sequential treatment of extrahepatic bile duct calculus and acute gallstone pancreatitis using the technique of combination of duodenoscope, laparoscope and choledochoscope in one anesthetic session. Methods 112 patients with extrahepatic bile duct calculus (including 23 patients associated with acute gallstone pancreatitis) were treated using this technique. The data were analyzed. Results The technique was successfully carried out in 102 patients but 10 patients had to be treated by conventional open operation.For the patients treated by this technique, 16 patients were treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus choledochotomy. The stones were removed through a choledochoscope, and the bile duct was drained by a T-tube (LCTD). 18 patients were treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The choledocholiths were removed by a choledochoscope through the cystic duct. 22 patients were treated by choledochotomy, and the calculus was removed through a choledochoscope and the bile duct was primarily sutured. 46 patients were treated by endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) plus LC, choledochotomy. The calculi were through a choledochoscope and followed by primary suture of the bile duct. The mean time of endoscopic treatment, LC and postoperative hospital day were 35 min, 110 min and 6.5 d respectively. None of the 102 patients died after operation. 9 patients developed complications of ERCP or EST including acute pancreatitis (n=6), hemorrhage of papilla duodeni (n=2) and duodenal perforation (n= 1). 11 patients developed biliary fistula after primary suturing of the choledochus and they recovered with drainage; 2 patients developed residual or recurrent biliary fistula after the T tube was removed and they recovered after drainage via a [aparoscope. During follow-up for 1 to 3 years using ultrasonic or MRCP examinations, 3 cases of stones were found and they were removed by EST. There was no stenosis of common bile duct. Conclusions Our results suggested that the three-endoscope-combination in one anesthetic session for the treatment of extrahepatic bile duct calculi and acute gallstone pancreatitis was safe and efficacious. Moreover, this technique reduced the complications of EST. This technique increased the success rate using minimal invasive surgery. Key words: Cholelithasis; Gallstone pancreatitis; Laproscope; Choledochoscop; Duodenoscope