Secondary Choledocholithiasis Research Articles

Application of 3-Step Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Acute Difficult Cholecystitis.

With the aging of the global population, the incidence rate of acute cholecystitis is increasing. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as the first choice to treat acute cholecystitis. How to effectively avoid serious intraoperative complications such as bile duct and blood vessel injury is still a difficult problem that puzzles surgeons. This paper introduces the application of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a new surgical concept, in acute difficult cholecystitis. This retrospective analysis was carried out from January 2019 to January 2021. A total of 36 patients with acute difficult cholecystitis underwent 3-step laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The general information, clinical features, surgical methods, surgical results, and postoperative complications of the patients were analyzed. All patients successfully completed the surgery, one of them was converted to laparotomy, and the other 35 cases were treated with 3-step laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperative bile leakage occurred in 2 cases (5.56%), secondary choledocholithiasis in 1 case (2.78%), and hepatic effusion in 1 case (2.78%). No postoperative bleeding, septal infection, and other complications occurred, and no postoperative colon injury, gastroduodenal injury, liver injury, bile duct injury, vascular injury, and other surgery-related complications occurred. All 36 patients were discharged from hospital after successful recovery. No one died 30 days after surgery, and there was no abnormality in outpatient follow-up for 3 months after surgery. Three-step laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems to be safer and more feasible for acute difficult cholecystitis patients. Compared with traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy or partial cholecystectomy, 3-step laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the advantages of safe surgery and less complications, which is worth trying by clinicians.

Comparison of one-step laparoscopy and two-step endolaparoscopy in the treatment of secondary choledocholithiasis: A multicenter retrospective clinical study.

There are two minimally invasive ways of treating cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis, but there remains some controversy regarding which technique is better, since they both have advantages and disadvantages. The one-step method involves laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, and primary close (LC + LCBDE + PC), while the two-step procedure consists of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic sphincterotomy, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP + EST + LC). This multicenter retrospective study aimed to analyze and compare the effects of the two techniques. The data of patients who underwent either one-step LCBDE + LC + PC or two-step ERCP + EST + LC treatment for gallstones in the gallbladder and bile duct at the Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, and Taizhou Fourth People's Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019 were collected, and the preoperative indicators of the two groups were compared. The surgical success rate of the one-step laparoscopic group was 96.23% (664/690), the transit abdominal opening rate was 2.03% (14/690), and there were 21 cases of postoperative bile leakage. The success rate of the two-step endolaparoscopic surgery was 78.95% (225/285), the transit opening rate was 2.46% (7/285), and there were 43 postoperative cases of pancreatitis and five of cholangitis. Postoperative cholangitis, pancreatitis, postoperative stone recurrence, postoperative hospitalization, and treatment costs were significantly lower (P< 0.05) in the one-step laparoscopic group than in the two-step endolaparoscopic group. However, the amount of intraoperative bleeding, the postoperative extraction time of the abdominal drainage tube, and the incidence of bile leakage were higher (P< 0.05) in the one-step laparoscopic group than in the two-step endolaparoscopic group. The two methods of treating choledocholithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis that were analyzed in this study were safe and effective, and each method had its own advantages.

Эндоскопическая ультрасонография и транспапиллярные вмешательства у пациентов с парапапиллярными дивертикулами

Aim: to evaluate the possibilities of diagnosed during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in clarifying diagnosis of peripapillary diverticula (PD) and optimization of treatment tactics depending on the type of mutual location of the diverticulum and the major duodenal papilla (MDP). Patients and Methods: the study included 304 patients (186 (61.2%) female patients) with peripapillary duodenal diverticulum (PDD). By the criterion of the diverticulum and MDP mutual location, patients were divided into three groups: 195 (64.1%) patients with suprapapillary diverticulum, 59 (19.4%) — with diverticulum of the "butterfly" type, 50 (16.5%) — with intradiverticular MDP. Anatomical features of various diverticula types and associated pathology of periampullary region were studied on the basis of endosonography data, as well as the treatment results of biliary diseases, technical success and complications of transpapillary interventions in various types of diverticula were analyzed. Results and Discussion: patients with intradiverticular MDP were significantly older (69.8±4.4 years). In this group, the size of diverticula (21 mm) and dilatation of choledochus (18 mm) were larger. Patients in this group were significantly more commonly diagnosed with stenosis of the MDP and secondary choledocholithiasis. Indications for endoscopic papillosphincterotomy in patients with PDD were choledocholithiasis — 124 (57.1%), stenosis of the MDP — 44 (20.3%), diverticular compression in terminal choledochus — 49 (22.6%), EUS. The complication rate of transpapillary interventions did not significantly differ and amounted to 2.8%. However, the share of failures during MDP standard biliary cannulation and lithoextraction was higher in the intradiverticular MDP and amounted to 34.5% and 8.8%, respectively, which forced the use of rendezvous procedures that were used in 10 (34.5%) patients of this group. Conclusion: EUS is a highly informative method of diagnostic clarification in PD, providing direct visual inspection of the papillary zone and its echocardiogram. The use of EUS at the initial stage of diagnostics allows to significantly optimize the treatment tactics, determining the indications for transpapillary interventions and ensuring their rational choice. The greatest technical difficulties and failures are expected to occur during manipulations on the intradiverticular MDP, which forces the use of rendezvous procedures, antegrade common bile duct access and laparotomic interventions. KEYWORDS: peripapillary diverticulum, endoscopic ultrasound, transpapillary interventions endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, biliary hypertension. FOR CITATION: Belozerov V.A., Grigoriev N.N., Prokopov V.A., Belozerova D.E. Endoscopic ultrasound and transpapillary interventions in patients with peripapillary diverticula. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(5):258–263 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-5-3.

Optimal Timing of Cholecystectomy in Secondary Choledocholithiasis Patients Who Underwent Preoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Secondary choledocholithiasis occurs when stones leave the gallbladder. After therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone removal, cholecystectomy should be performed to prevent recurrence. However, the optimal timing for cholecystectomy in secondary choledocholithiasis patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with secondary choledocholithiasis. In total, 22,996 patients in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis from 1998–2015 were divided into three groups according to whether they underwent surgery as an inpatient (early cholecystectomy (ELC)), within 2 months of admission (intermediate cholecystectomy (ILC)), or 2 months after admission (delayed cholecystectomy (DLC)). The primary outcomes included the recurrence, complication, and mortality rates. After adjusting for confounders, according to the 2013 Tokyo guidelines (cut-off at 2013), a subgroup analysis showed that, compared to the ELC group, the ILC group had lower recurrence, complication, and mortality rates, whereas the DLC group exhibited statistically significantly higher recurrence and mortality rates. In conclusion, the optimal timing of cholecystectomy in secondary choledocholithiasis patients after preoperative ERCP is within 2 months (ILC) after hospital admission. Moreover, ELC is associated with a measurable risk of complications.

The Diagnostic Value of GGT-Based Biochemical Indicators for Choledocholithiasis with Negative Imaging Results of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

To reveal the relationship between a group of preoperative biochemical indicators such as GGT, ALP, ALT, AST, TB, and DB and the occurrence of common bile duct stones in patients with negative results of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, a retrospective diagnostic accuracy clinical test is conducted in this study. In order to reduce the missed diagnosis rate of choledocholithiasis and perform more accurate common bile duct exploration, 466 patients who underwent surgical treatment of cholelithiasis from January 2014 to December 2015 have been analyzed retrospectively. Firstly, the confounding factors are corrected through Binary Logistic regression. Then, the diagnostic efficacy of each indicator is measured by the ROC curve among different types of patients. In all patients, the top three individual indicators with the greatest AUC curve area for predicting common bile duct stones can be observed from the results of MRCP, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase. Besides, the diagnostic efficiency of the comprehensive evaluation is higher than that of all individual indicators. For MRCP-negative patients, the top three largest AUC curve area of the diagnostic efficacy for choledocholithiasis were GGT, ALP, and DB. For patients who have a suspected diagnosis of secondary choledocholithiasis, the diagnostic efficacy of the combination of imaging results, biochemical indexes, common bile duct width, and other abnormal indicators for choledocholithiasis is much higher than that of the single abnormal biochemical indexes for the prediction of choledocholithiasis. For MRCP-negative patients, GGT, ALP, DB, and the width of common bile duct diameter are valuable for the prediction of common bile duct stones, and GGT is the most valuable diagnostic predictor.

Comparison of Primary Suture and T-Tube Drainage After Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Combined with Intraoperative Choledochoscopy in the Treatment of Secondary Common Bile Duct Stones: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: To compare the safety and feasibility of T-tube drainage and primary suture after laparoscopy combined with choledochoscopy in the treatment of secondary choledocholithiasis. Methods: The clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic choledochoscopy combined with choledochoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for secondary choledocholithiasis from June 2015 to June 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the different treatment method of common bile duct (CBD) incision, the patients were divided into a T-tube drainage group and a primary suture group. The preoperative clinical characteristics, results of preoperative liver function tests (LFTs), LFTs on the first day after the operation and the fourth day after the operation, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications, and times of postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in preoperative clinical data, preoperative LFTs, and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > .05). However, primary suture demonstrated significant advantages (P < .05) in terms of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and other related factors. Bilirubin levels on the first day after the operation and the fourth day after the operation between the two groups suggested that T-tube drainage reduces bilirubin in the short term, but that long-term bilirubin draining is similar between the two strategies. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that choledochal diameter less than 8 mm was an independent risk factor for bile leakage. Conclusions: Laparoscopy combined with intraoperative choledochoscopic CBD exploration is superior to T-tube drainage in terms of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay. The ability of reducing bilirubin by traditional T-tube drainage is indeed better than that of primary suture in the early stage after operation, but there is no difference in long-term outcome between the two groups. Choledochal diameter ≤8 mm was an independent risk factor for bile leakage. To summarize, LCBDEs primary suture for secondary choledocholithiasis is safe and feasible.

Dilation of the cystic duct confluence in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and stone extraction in patients with secondary choledocholithiasis

BackgroundMany options exist for the management of cholelithiasis and secondary choledocholithiasis. Among them, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) with choledocotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy has gained popularity. However, efforts should be made to ensure minimally invasive or noninvasive management of the common bile duct (CBD). The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical experience of non-invasive surgical modality, i.e., laparoscopic transcystic dilation of the cystic duct confluence in CBD exploration (LTD-CBDE), including feasibility, safety, adverse events, and incidence.MethodsIn this retrospective analysis, 68 patients were offered the LTD-CBDE technique from December 2015 to April 2018 based on patient’s own intention. During the surgery, the cystic duct confluence was dilated with separation forceps and/or a columnar dilation balloon. Subsequently, CBD exploration and stone extraction were performed with a choledochoscope. The entrance of the CBD was covered with a cystic duct stump wall and was subjected to primary closure at the end of surgery.ResultsForty-nine females and 19 males with cholelithiasis and secondary choledocholithiasis were included. The mean age was 53 years old (18 to 72 year). Of these patients, 62 (91.2%) were successfully treated with the LTD-CBDE technique, and bile leakage was observed in 3 patients (4.4%). The mean operation time was 106 min, and the mean hospital stay was 5.9 days. Among the other 6 patients, 3 were converted to open cholecystectomy due to severe fibrosis, unclear anatomical structure at Calot’s triangle (n = 2) or Mirizze syndrome (n = 1); LCBDE was performed in 3 patients due to cystic duct atresia (n = 2) and low level of flow from the gallbladder duct into the CBD (n = 1). These patients had a smooth postoperative course. In total, 43/68 of the patients presented no radiological evidence of retained CBD stones at the postoperative follow-up (40 patients treated with LTD-CBDE) 1 year later.ConclusionsThe current work suggests that LTD-CBDE for the management of cholelithiasis and secondary choledocholithiasis is a feasible, safe and effective technique with a low complication rate. LTD-CBDE offers another alternative for surgeons to treat patients in similar scenarios. However, additional randomized, controlled studies are needed to demonstrate its efficacy, safety, and impact on CBD stenosis.

Differences between residual and primary choledocholithiasis in cholecystectomy patients.

choledocholithiasis can be primary from stones originally formed in the choledocho or secondary from stones that have migrated from the gallbladder to the choledocho. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical differences between both types of choledocholithiasis in cholecystectomy patients. a comparative and retrospective study was performed of cholecystectomy patients who presented choledocholithiasis. Residual or secondary choledocholithiasis (group 1) was defined as those which appear in the first two years after cholecystectomy and primary choledocholithiasis (group 2) was defined as those which appear two years after cholecystectomy. Choledocholithiasis was confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgery. patients with primary choledocholithiasis (n = 14) were older (61.5 ± 20.3 vs 74.4 ± 10.5 years; p = 0.049) and had a greater body mass index (BMI) (27.7 ± 4.3 vs 31.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2; p = 0.043) and a larger extrahepatic bile duct diameter (10.7 ± 2.7 vs 14.7 ± 3.5 mm; p = 0.004) compared to patients with residual or secondary choledocholithiasis (n = 11). All patients were treated by ERCP. There were no differences between groups 1 and 2 regarding recurrences (36.2 % vs 14.3 %; p = 0.350), disease-free survival (64.6 ± 30.9 vs 52.2 ± 37.7 months; p = 0.386) and overall survival (73.6 ± 32.4 vs 54 ± 41.9 months; p = 0.084). patients with primary choledocholithiasis were older and had a greater BMI and a larger diameter of the bile duct compared to patients with residual or secondary choledocholithiasis. ERCP is a good therapeutic option for the resolution of both types of choledocholithiasis.

Secondary Multiple Choledocholithiasis in Obstructive Jaundice Patient Due to Choledochoduodenal-Fistula Stricture

Introduction Choledochoduodenal fistula is a rare condition in which an abnormal connection between the biliary duct and duodenum. The causes of choledochoduodenal fistula are cholelithiasis, pancreatobiliary tumor, and less common by duodenal ulcer. Fistula is advantageous as an alternate way of biliary drainage when the main biliary duct is obstructed. Case Illustration A 43 years old female, admitted with acute severe cholangitis. Patient was undergone cholecystectomy 3 years ago. Ultrasound and MRCP revealed biliary stone with dilatation of intra and extra hepatic biliary ducts. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated a fistula between bile duct and duodenum with stricture at distal part of fistula toward the duodenum, multiple biliary stone in the bile duct, and total obstruction at ampulla of Vater. The stricture at distal fistula made secondary-choledocholithiasis then lead to severe cholangitis, whereas the distal part of bile duct toward the duodenum was totally obstructed. Cannulation at fistula was performed, followed by inserting a plastic stent for urgent temporary bile-drainage. Subsequently, patient improved clinically. The plastic stent was changed by fully-covered self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) 3 days afterward. Six weeks later on follow up, after SEMS removal cholangiogram was obtained showing no stones in the bile duct. The bile concurrent with biliary stones passed spontaneously through the fistula while SEMS was in placed. Therefore, the patient did not require surgery intervention to remove biliary stones. Conclusion This case demonstrated a secondary choledocholithiasis in obstructive jaundice patient with acute severe cholangitis due to the choledochoduodenal fistula stricture. Inserting self-expandable stent in the fistula allows both bile and even biliary stone to pass spontaneously. This stent insertion may serve as an alternative practice to avoid surgery procedures on biliary drainage and removing biliary stones, in choledochoduodenal fistula cases.2162_A Figure 1. Multiple choledocholithiasis2162_B Figure 2. Self-Expanding Metal Stent (SEMS) insertion2162_C Figure 3. Post SEMS removal

Laparoscopic ultrasonography in surgical treatment of secondary choledocholithiasis

Objective To investigate the diagnostic accuracies among laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS), CT, MRCP and transabdominal ultrasonography in secondary choledocholithiasis, and to compare the procedural efficacy of LUS carried out by surgeons assisted by ultrasound physicians, and by surgeons alone. Methods Forty-two patients underwent laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) in Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University. All these patients underwent LUS examination. In 26 patients, LUS was carried out by surgeons alone while in 16 patients it was assisted by ultrasound physicians. The results of intraoperative choledochoscopy were used to verify the results in the two groups in scan time, and in its accuracies when compared with CT, MRCP and preoperative abdominal ultrasound. Results The accuracy of LUS was 92.9%, which was significantly better than that of CT (73.8%) and transabdominal ultrasonography (23.8%, P 0.05). Surgeons alone were faster than ultrasound physicians in performing LUS [(8.5±3.0) min vs (13.2±4.6) min, P 0.05). Conclusion LUS diagnosed common bile duct stones by surgeons who had adequate ultrasound training, with a high accuracy rate and good efficiency. Key words: Laparoscopic ultrasound; Secondary choledocholithiasis; Bile duct exploration

Micro-Incision of the Cystic Duct Confluence in Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Elderly Patients with Choledocholithiasis.

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are common in elderly patients. The laparoscopic transcystic approach with micro-incision of the cystic duct confluence in common bile duct exploration (LTM-CBDE) is a modified laparoscopic transcystic approach. Its safety and efficacy have not been studied in elderly patients with secondary choledocholithiasis. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of LTM-CBDE in elderly (≥65years) patients with secondary choledocholithiasis and compares the results with those in younger patients. In this retrospective analysis, 128 patients underwent LTM-CBDE from March 2007 to December 2013. The patients were divided into two groups according to age: the elderly group consisted of 50 patients aged ≥65years and the younger group consisted of 78 patients aged <65years. The preoperative morbidity rate, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, previous abdominal operations, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, open conversion rate, postoperative complication rate, residual stone rate, recurrence rate and mortality were compared in both groups. The preoperative morbidity (41 vs. 28) and ASA score (2.5±0.7 vs. 1.8±0.6) were higher in the elderly group (P=0.000, in both groups). No significant differences in previous abdominal operations, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, open conversion rate, postoperative complication rate, residual stone rate, recurrence rate and mortality (P>0.05) were found between the two groups from March 2007 to December 2013. LTM-CBDE is a safe and effective treatment procedure for elderly patients with secondary choledocholithiasis. For suitable patients, we recommend LTM-CBDE as the treatment of choice.

Complications after bile duct exploration for secondary choledocholithiasis using a combined laparoscopic and choledochoscopic approach

Objective To study the complications after laparoscopic bile duct exploration.Methods Two approaches for bile duct exploration were used in 105 patients: (1) laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) was used for patients with gallstones with choledocholithiasis and cystic duct dilation. No T tube was used for drainage, (2) Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) was used for patients with gallstones with choledocholithiasis but without cystic duct dilation. The common bile duct was sutured primarily without T tube drainage in those patients with a small number of stones. T tube drainage was used in those patients with many stones or severe edema at the lower end of the common bile duct. Results We carried out LTCBDE+ LC in 70 patients and LCBDE+LC in 35 patients, 14 patients had T tube drainage and 21 patients had no T tubes in the latter group of patients. Postoperatively, there were ascites in 17 patients (LTCBDE 6 and LCBDE 11 ), biliary peritonitis in 5 patients (1 LTCBDE and 4 LCBDE), abdominal pain in 13 patients (LTCBDE 4 and LCBDE 9), and fever in 11 patients (LTCBD 3 and LCBDE 8). All the complications responded to conservative treatment. 14 patients in the LCBDE group had residual stones.Choledochoscopy was used to remove the residual stones. There was no pancreatitis. Conclusions Adequate preoperative workup, good clinical judgment and precise treatment skill help to reduce complication rates after operation for gallstones with choledocholithiasis. Key words: Gallstones; Secondary choledocholithiasis; Minimal invasive methods

Biliary Complications Secondary to Post-Cholecystectomy Clip Migration: A Review of 69 Cases

IntroductionPost-cholecystectomy clip migration (PCCM) is rare and can lead to complications which include clip-related biliary stones. Most have been reported as case reports. This study reviews cases of clip migration reported in the literatures. MethodSearches and reviews of the literatures from “PubMed,” “EMBASE,” and “Google Scholar” search engines using the keywords “clip migration” and “bile duct stones” were carried out. Eighty cases from 69 publications were identified but details for only 69 cases were available for the study. ResultsThe median age at presentations of PCCM was 60 years old (range, 31 to 88 years; female, 61.8%) and the median time from the initial cholecystectomy to clinical presentations was 26 months (range, 11 days to 20 years). Of primary surgeries, 23.2% was for complicated gallstones disease. The median number of clips placed during surgery was six (range, two to more than ten clips). Common diagnoses at presentations of PCCM were obstructive jaundice (37.7%), cholangitis (27.5%), biliary colic (18.8%), and acute pancreatitis (8.7%). The median number of migrated clip was one (range, one to six). Biliary dilatation and strictures were encountered in 74.1% and 28.6%, respectively. Of the 69 cases of PCCM-associated complications, 53 (77%) were successfully treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), 14 (20.2%) with surgery, and one (1.4%) with successful percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography treatment. One patient had spontaneous clearance of PCCM. There was no reported mortality related to PCCM. ConclusionPCCM can occur at any time but typically occur at a median of 2 years after cholecystectomy. Clinical presentations are similar to those with primary or secondary choledocholithiasis. Most can be managed successfully with ERCP.

The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography in cholelithiasis coexisting with choledocholithiasis

An accepted treatment strategy for cholelithiasis with secondary choledocholithiasis is the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). Although early cholecystectomy is advised, there is no consensus about the time interval between LC and ERCP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the time interval between ERCP and ERCP on operation outcomes. Patients with cholelithiasis and a risk of choledocholithiasis underwent ERCP. Patients were grouped as those operated on between 24 and 72 h after ERCP (group 1) and those operated on more than 72 h after ERCP (group 2). Patients' age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status, abdominal ultrasonography findings, white blood cell count, total serum bilirubin, ALP, amylase, ALT, AST, GGT levels, ERCP findings, time interval between ERCP and LC, conversion rate, median postoperative hospital stay, median operation time, intraoperative complication and postoperative complication rates were collected. There was no significant difference between the demographics of the patients in both groups. The median operation time, median postoperative hospital stay and conversion rate in group 2 were significantly higher than those of group 1. More postoperative complications were seen in group 2. Early cholecystectomy after ERCP, within 72 h, has better outcomes, probably due to the inflammatory processes.

Association of periampullary diverticula with primary choledocholithiasis but not with secondary choledocholithiasis.

Several endoscopic studies have reported an association between periampullary diverticula and biliary calculi, but the results are inconsistent when the anatomic site of the stones is considered. The aims of our study are to evaluate the association between periampullary diverticula and gallstones according to their site and to clarify the origin of the common bile duct stones by analyzing their composition. During a period of 10 months, 611 of 632 consecutive patients having endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were prospectively enrolled. The data about periampullary diverticula and gallstones were analyzed according to the site of the stones. The stones were initially grouped on the basis of their gross morphology and cross-sectional appearance, and finally analyzed by quantitative infrared spectroscopy. Diverticula were found in 165 of 611 cases (27%) and the incidence increased with age (p<0.01). The incidence of gallbladder or common bile duct stones was higher in patients with periampullary diverticula (73/165,44%) than without (130/446,29%) (p<0.01). Considering the site of the gallstones, this significance was found only in patients with common bile duct stones not associated with gallbladder stones (p<0.001). Of the 40 who had gallstones only in the common bile duct, 32 gave a history of cholecystectomy more than two years previously and had been free of symptoms postoperatively, and on analysis most of the stones (30/36,83%) were brown pigment stones. These therefore were assumed to be primary common bile duct stones. The common bile duct stones with associated gallbladder stones were identical to their paired gallbladder stones in gross and cross-sectional appearance and chemical composition. They were assumed to be secondary common bile duct stones and the difference in the incidence of calculi according to the presence of diverticula was not significant. The incidence of gallstones was significantly higher in periampullary diverticula, and when the site and the origin of the gallstones was considered the association between diverticula and gallstones was significant in patients with primary common bile duct stones but not with the secondary ones.