Treatment Of Common Bile Duct Research Articles

Post-ERCP acute infected necrotising pancreatitis in a patient with Cushing’s disease

This report discusses the case of patient KT, who suffered from acute necrotising pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for treatment of common bile duct (CBD) calculi. After a summary of KT’s complex medical history, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) are discussed. Finally, recent research on treatment of severe necrotising pancreatitis is reviewed, focussing on strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from this devastating complication of a common procedure like ERCP.

Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration versus transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiography during cholecystectomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) poses a particular challenge given the altered anatomy and inability to perform a standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERC). The optimal treatment strategy for intraoperatively encountered CBD stones in post-RYGB patients has not been established. To compare outcomes following laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) and laparoscopy-assisted transgastric ERC for CBDs during cholecystectomy in RYGB-operated patients. Swedish nationwide multi-registry study. The Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and ERCs, GallRiks (n = 215,670), and the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg) (n = 60,479) were cross-matched for cholecystectomies with intraoperatively encountered CBD stones in patients with previous RYGB surgery between 2011 and2020. Registry cross-matching found 550 patients. Both LTCBDE (n = 132) and transgastric ERC (n = 145) were comparable in terms of low rates of intraoperative adverse events (1% versus 2%) and postoperative adverse events within 30 days (16% versus 18%). LTCBDE required significantly shorter operating time (P = .005) by on average 31 minutes, 95% confidence interval (CI) [10.3-52.6], and was more often used for smaller stones <4 mm in size (30% versus 17%, P = .010). However, transgastric ERC was more often used in acute surgery (78% versus 63%, P = .006) and for larger stones >8 mm in size (25% versus 8%, P < .001). LTCBDE and transgastric ERC have similarly low complication rates for clearance of intraoperatively encountered CBD stones in RYGB-operated patients, but LTCBDE is faster while transgastric ERC is more often used in conjunction with larger bile duct stones.

Clinical observation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or common bile duct lithotripsy.

The incidence of common bile duct (CBD) stones accounts for approximately 10%-15% of all CBD diseases. Approximately 8%-20% of these patients also have gallstones with heterogenous signs and symptoms. To investigate the clinical effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and LC with CBD excision and stone extraction in one-stage suture (LBEPS) for the treatment of gallbladder and CBD stones. Ninety-four patients with gallbladder and CBD stones were selected from our hospital from January 2018 to June 2021. They were randomly divided into study and control groups with 47 patients each. The study group underwent LC with ERCP, and the control group underwent LC with LBEPS. Surgery, recovery time of gastrointestinal function, complication rates, liver function indexes, and stress response indexes were measured pre- and postoperatively in both the groups. The durations of treatment and hospital stay were shorter in the study group than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the one-time stone removal rate between the study and control groups. The time to anal evacuation, resumption of oral feeding, time to bowel sound recovery, and time to defecation were shorter in the study group than in the control group. The preoperative serum direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bilirubin (TBIL), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were insignificantly higher in the study group than that in the control group. A day after surgery, the postoperative serum DBIL, TBIL, and ALT levels were lower than their preoperative levels in both groups, and of the two groups, the levels were lower in the study group. Although the preoperative serum adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH), cortisol (COR), epinephrine (A), and norepinephrine (NE) levels were higher in the study group than that in the control group, these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). The serum ACTH, COR, A, and NE levels in both groups decreased one day after surgery compared to the preoperative levels, but the inter-group difference was statistically insignificant. Similarly, (91.79 ± 10.44) ng/mL, A, and NE levels were lower in the study group than in the control group. The incidence of complications was lower in the study group than in the control group. LC combined with ERCP induces only a mild stress response; this procedure can decrease the risk of complications, improve liver function, and achieve and promote a faster recovery of gastrointestinal functions.

Clinical Observation of Double-mirror Combined with Standardized Treatment of Common Bile Duct with Cholecystolithiasis

Clinical Observation of Double-mirror Combined with Standardized Treatment of Common Bile Duct with Cholecystolithiasis

Comparison of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Common Bile Duct Stones After Cholecystectomy.

Background: Few studies have focused on the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones after cholecystectomy, for which optimal treatment options remain unclear. Aims: To compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for CBD stone treatment after cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 201 patients were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, of whom 134 with ≤3 stones and a maximum stone diameter of <15 mm were classified as subgroup 1, and 67 with >3 stones or a maximum stone diameter of ≥15 mm were classified as subgroup 2. Perioperative characteristics were also analyzed. Results: ERCP subgroup 1 exhibited a shorter operative time (P < .001), postoperative hospital stay (P < .001), and lower incidence of bile leakage (P = .034) than LCBDE subgroup 1. ERCP subgroup 2 exhibited a shorter operative time (P < .001) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P < .001) than LCBDE subgroup 2. However, LCBDE subgroup 2 exhibited a greater rate of complete stone removal (P = .044) and a lower incidence of acute pancreatitis (P = .037) than ERCP subgroup 2. Conclusions: For treatment of CBD stones after cholecystectomy, ERCP was superior in cases involving ≤3 stones and a maximum stone diameter of <15 mm. Among those with >3 stones or maximum stone diameter of ≥15 mm, LCBDE demonstrated certain advantages.

Predictive factors affecting percutaneous drainage duration in the percutaneous treatment of common bile duct stones.

The duration of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a critical factor that determines the duration of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting the PTBD duration in patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study analyzed data of 169 patients who underwent percutaneous treatment of CBD stones from June 2009 to June 2019. Demographic data, characteristics of stone, procedure-related factors, and laboratory findings before the insertion of PTBD tubes were retrospectively evaluated. To assess the effect of confounding factors on the PTBD duration, multivariate linear regression analysis was applied, incorporating significant predictive factors identified in the univariate regression analysis. In the univariate regression analysis, the predictive factor that showed high correlation with the PTBD duration was the initial total bilirubin level (coefficient = 0.68, P < .001) followed by the short diameter of the largest stone (coefficient = 0.19, P = .056), and previous endoscopic sphincterotomy (coefficient = -2.50, P = .086). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the initial total bilirubin level (coefficient = 0.50, P < .001) and short diameter of the largest stone (coefficient = 0.16, P = .025) were significantly related to the PTBD duration. The total bilirubin level before PTBD tube insertion and the short diameter of the largest CBD stone were predictive factors for the PTBD duration in patients who underwent percutaneous CBD stone removal. Careful assessment of these factors might help in predicting the treatment period, thereby improving the quality of patient care.

Intelligent difficulty scoring and assistance system for endoscopic extraction of common bile duct stones based on deep learning: multicenter study.

The study aimed to construct an intelligent difficulty scoring and assistance system (DSAS) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. 1954 cholangiograms were collected from three hospitals for training and testing the DSAS. The D-LinkNet34 and U-Net were adopted to segment the CBD, stones, and duodenoscope. Based on the segmentation results, the stone size, distal CBD diameter, distal CBD arm, and distal CBD angulation were estimated. The performance of segmentation and estimation was assessed by mean intersection over union (mIoU) and average relative error. A technical difficulty scoring scale, which was used for assessing the technical difficulty of CBD stone removal, was developed and validated. We also analyzed the relationship between scores evaluated by the DSAS and clinical indicators including stone clearance rate and need for endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation (EPLBD) and lithotripsy. The mIoU values of the stone, CBD, and duodenoscope segmentation were 68.35 %, 86.42 %, and 95.85 %, respectively. The estimation performance of the DSAS was superior to nonexpert endoscopists. In addition, the technical difficulty scoring performance of the DSAS was more consistent with expert endoscopists than two nonexpert endoscopists. A DSAS assessment score ≥ 2 was correlated with lower stone clearance rates and more frequent EPLBD. An intelligent DSAS based on deep learning was developed. The DSAS could assist endoscopists by automatically scoring the technical difficulty of CBD stone extraction, and guiding the choice of therapeutic approach and appropriate accessories during ERCP.

Effect of stent placement on stone recurrence and post-procedural cholangitis after endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones.

Background/AimsAfter endoscopic treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones, recurrence of choledocholithiasis due to small stone fragments and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) cholangitis can occur. We determined the effect of biliary stenting after removal of CBD stones on the recurrence of CBD stones and the incidence of post-ERCP cholangitis. MethodsWe performed a retrospective single-center study involving 483 patients who underwent ERCP for the removal of CBD stones. The patients were classified into two groups according to their biliary stenting status. The primary outcome was the rate of CBD stone recurrence and the secondary outcome was the incidence of post-ERCP cholangitis. ResultsAmong the 483 patients, 219 and 264 did and did not receive a biliary stent after CBD stone removal, respectively. The incidence of stone recurrence was 15.5% and 7.6% in the non-stenting and stenting groups (p = 0.006), respectively, while the incidence of post-ERCP cholangitis was 4.6% and 2.7% (p = 0.256). In a multivariate analysis, biliary stenting significantly reduced the stone recurrence rate (odds ratio, 0.30; p = 0.004). ConclusionsBiliary stenting after the removal of CBD stones reduces the stone recurrence rate and assisted recovery. For patients with large and multiple stones who undergo lithotripsy, preventive biliary stent insertion can reduce the rate of stone recurrence.

The influence of periampullary diverticula on ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods we applied to decrease the influence of periampullary diverticula (PAD) on the success rate and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones, we enrolled patients with CBD stones who had been treated by ERCP in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2018. According to the presence of PAD, the patients were divided into a PAD group and a non-PAD group. The rate of complete stone removal in the first session, the rate of overall stone removal, the frequency of application of mechanical lithotripsy, and procedure-related complications, including bleeding, hyperamylasemia, pancreatitis, perforation, and infection of biliary tract were recorded. A total of 183 cases, including 72 cases in the PAD group and 111 cases in the non-PAD group were enrolled. There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding gender (P = 0.354). However, regarding age, there was a statistical difference (P = 0.002), and the incidence of PAD increased with age. There were 5 (6.9%) cases in the PAD group and 14 (12.6%) cases in the non-PAD group where mechanical lithotripsy was applied. There were 59 (81.9%) cases in the PAD group and 102 (91.9%) cases in the non-PAD group where there was complete removal of CBD stones in the first session, and there were 68 (94.4%) cases in the PAD group and 107 (96.4%) cases in the non-PAD group where there was complete removal of all stones. In the PAD group, there were 0 cases (0%) with gastrointestinal bleeding, 0 cases (0%) with gastrointestinal perforation, 13 cases (18.1%) with post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, 3 cases (4.2%) with post-ERCP pancreatitis, and 4 cases (5.6%) with biliary tract infection. In the non-PAD group, 1 case (0.9%) had gastrointestinal bleeding, 0 cases had gastrointestinal perforation, 18 cases (16.2%) had post-ERCP hyperamylasemia, 5 cases (4.5%) had post-ERCP pancreatitis, and 11 cases (9.9%) had biliary tract infection. This retrospective study showed that there was a statistical difference between the two groups regarding complete removal of CBD stones in the first session and application of mechanical lithotripsy (both P < 0.05), but no statistical difference according to the rates of overall stone removal and the complications (P > 0.05), which means that we can reduce the influence of PAD on ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones.

What is the effective single incision laparoscopic biliary surgery platform: Needlescopic Grasper assisted single incision laparoscopc surgery

Introduction: Single incision laparoscopic surgery has confirmed its safety and validity as a treatment option. We aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of needlescopic grasper-assisted single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(nSILC) and common bile duct exploration (nSIL-CBDE) by comparing the surgical outcomes of this technique with those of conventional laparoscopic CBDE (CL-CBDE). Method: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent CL-CBDE or nSIL-CBDE for the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones between January 2000 and December 2014. Also, We analyzed the medical records of the patients who underwent nSILC and CLC for benign gallbladder disease between January 2011 and December 2015. Results: Totally 1221 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the period. Among them, 577 patients underwent nSILC and 644 patients underwent CLC. The critical view of safety (CVS) obtaining success rate is more higher in nSILC group. However, there was no significant difference in operation time, and postoperative hospital stay (operation time: 57.9 ± 38.0 vs. 50.7 ± 30.8 minutes; P = 0.388, postoperative hospital stay: 2.5 ± 3.8 vs. 2.5 ± 1.6 minutes; P = 0.99). Totally 40 patients underwent laparoscopic CBDE during the period. Of these patients, 20 underwent CL-CBDE and 20 underwent nSIL-CBDE. The operative time for nSIL-CBDE was significantly longer than that for CL-CBDE. Postoperatively, the nSIL-CBDE group required less intravenous analgesic and had a shorter hospital stay than the CL-CBDE group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that nSILC and nSIL-CBDE could be safe and feasible in biliary tract disease.

Risk factors and consequences of conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

Although laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has shown many obvious advantages compared with open surgery in the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones, it remains unclear regarding risk factors of conversion from LCBDE to open surgery and whether conversion will counteract the advantages of LCBDE. The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors and consequences of conversion from LCBDE to open surgery. A retrospective study was conducted, using a database of 644 patients with LCBDE between 2011 and 2017. Risk factors for conversion to open surgery were determined based on univariable and multivariable analysis. The consequences of conversion to open surgery in LCBDE were analyzed. Conversion was required in 27 (4.2%) of 644 patients undergoing LCBDE. Independent risk factors for conversion were as follows: the max diameter of stones in CBD (odds ratio (OR) 2.234, 95%CI 1.031-4.842; p = 0.042), edema of CBD (OR 12.530, 95%CI 4.633-33.887; p < 0.001), and multiple stones in CBD (OR 3.438, 95%CI: 1.133-10.428; p = 0.029). These risk factors and their combined were good predictors for conversion in LCBDE. More blood loss, longer operative time, longer postoperative hospital stay, and higher incision infection were identified in patients with conversion than those without conversion. However, no significant differences were observed regarding mortality, readmission within 30 days, reoperation, bile leakage, and intra-abdominal fluid collection. Conversion to open surgery in LCBDE was associated with acute edematous CBD with large and multiple stones. Conversion can offset the advantages of LCBDE.

Comparison of the Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Alone versus Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Removal of Bile Duct Stones.

Background and Aims Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) alone is an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, limited data exists regarding comparison of the long-term outcomes for these techniques. In this study, we compared the long-term outcomes after EST with those after EPLBD alone for removal of CBD stones. Methods The records of patients with EST or EPLBD alone referred for CBD stones retrieval between June 2008 and July 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Complete stone clearance, ERCP-related adverse events, and late biliary complications during long-term follow-up were analyzed. Results Basic patient characteristics were similar between the groups that underwent EST (n = 60) and EPLBD alone (n = 161). EPLBD compared with EST resulted in similar outcomes in terms of complete stone clearance (99.4% versus 100%, P = 0.54) and ERCP-related adverse events (6.8% versus 6.7%, P = 1.00). The mean duration of the follow-up was 74.5 months and 71.6 months who underwent EST and EPLBD alone, respectively (P = 0.42). Late biliary complications were occurred frequently in the EST group than in the EPLBD alone group (11 [18.6%] versus 16 [10.2%]), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.11). Multivariate analysis showed that mechanical lithotripsy ([OR], 2.815; 95% CI, 1.148–6.902; P = 0.024) was significantly associated with late biliary complications. Conclusion As an alternative to EST, EPLBD has similar efficacy and safety for managing CBD stones. During long-term follow-up, patients who underwent EPLBD alone may have fewer late biliary complications compared with those after EST. In addition, mechanical lithotripsy may be an independent risk factor for late biliary complications.

Cost-analysis and effectiveness of one-stage laparoscopic versus two-stage endolaparoscopic management of cholecystocholedocholithiasis: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundOne–stage laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) stone clearance and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCBDE+LC) for cholecystocholedocholithiasis ( CCL) can be performed with similar short and long-term outcomes than two-stage endoscopic retrograde cholangiography followed by subsequent LC (ERCP+LC). This study examined retrospectively the outcome and hospital costs of one-stage versus two-stage treatment of CBD stones.MethodsFrom January 1999 and December 2014, 217 consecutive, elective patients underwent one-stage (LCBDE + LC ) or two-stage (ERCP + subsequent LC ) treatment for CBD stones. The data from the one-stage management was collected prospectively, and from the two-stage management retrospectively. The main measure of outcome was hospital costs, with the success of one-stage versus two-stage management, postoperative morbidity and postoperative stay as secondary outcome measures.ResultsOne-stage laparoscopic transcystic management was the least costly option compared to laparoscopic one-stage transductal approach (TC 5455€ versus TD 9364, p < 0.001) or two-stage management (6913 €, p = 0.02). Overall success rate of primary intervention (including conversions to open surgery) for CBD stone clearance was 96.9%, 97.0% and 98.3% after transcystic one-stage, transductal one-stage and two-stage approach, p = 0.79. Postoperative morbidity was 15.5% versus 7.5%, p = 0.64, and postoperative hospital stay median 2 days (IQR 2–5) versus 4.5 days ( IQR 3–7), p < 0.001 in the one-stage and two-stage management groups.ConclusionsOur study shows that laparoscopic one-stage transcystic management of CCL results in high rate of CBD clearance, fewer procedures per patient, shorter hospital and lower costs than the two-stage management. Therefore the one-stage transcystic management seems to be an attractive strategy for the treatment of CCL depending on local resources and surgical expertise .

Reconstruction of the mouse extrahepatic biliary tree using primary human extrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids.

The treatment of common bile duct (CBD) disorders, such as biliary atresia or ischemic strictures, is restricted by the lack of biliary tissue from healthy donors suitable for surgical reconstruction. Here we report a new method for the isolation and propagation of human cholangiocytes from the extrahepatic biliary tree in the form of extrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ECOs) for regenerative medicine applications. The resulting ECOs closely resemble primary cholangiocytes in terms of their transcriptomic profile and functional properties. We explore the regenerative potential of these organoids in vivo and demonstrate that ECOs self-organize into bile duct-like tubes expressing biliary markers following transplantation under the kidney capsule of immunocompromised mice. In addition, when seeded on biodegradable scaffolds, ECOs form tissue-like structures retaining biliary characteristics. The resulting bioengineered tissue can reconstruct the gallbladder wall and repair the biliary epithelium following transplantation into a mouse model of injury. Furthermore, bioengineered artificial ducts can replace the native CBD, with no evidence of cholestasis or occlusion of the lumen. In conclusion, ECOs can successfully reconstruct the biliary tree, providing proof of principle for organ regeneration using human primary cholangiocytes expanded in vitro.

Risk factors for bile leakage after primary closure following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: a retrospective cohort study

ionBackgroundPrimary closure following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been widely adopted because of the efficacy and safety in treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, the risk factors for bile leakage, the most common complication after primary closure, has not been clarified yet.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LCBDE with primary closure after choledochotomy between Feb. 2012 and Jun. 2016 was performed. Risk factors for bile leakage were identified by logistic regression inculding demographic factors, preoperative condition and surgical details.ResultsBetween Feb. 2012 and Jun. 2016, a total of 265 LCBDE procedures were applied in our hospital and 141 patients with primary closure were included in this study. Bile leakage occurred in 11.3% (16/141) of these patients, and happened more frequently in patients with slender CBD (<1 vs ≥1 cm, 31.6% vs 7.0%, p = 0.04) and those managed by inexperienced surgeons (initial 70 cases vs later cases, 17.1% vs 5.6%, p = 0.04). After multivariable regression, the diameter of CBD [OR 95% CI, 3.799 (1.081–13.349), p = 0.04] and experience of surgeons [OR 95% CI, 4.228 (1.330–13.438), p = 0.03] were significantly related to bile leakage.ConclusionSlender CBD and inexperienced surgeons were the high risk factors for bile leakage after primary closure following LCBDE.

What Is the Value of the Learning Curve in Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation of the Major Papilla?

Introduction Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) is an alternative for the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Existing evidence of factors associated with its outcomes is contradictory. Objective To identify predictors (including the experience of an endoscopist) of success and adverse events in EPLBD. Methods We reviewed the first 200 EPLBD with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) performed at our center. Demographic, clinical, and anatomic variables were studied, as well as the performance characteristics, correlating them with individual and group experience. Results Global success was obtained in 87% of cases, and adverse events occurred in 16% of cases. Success was associated with stone size, CBD diameter, and the need to perform mechanical lithotripsy (ML). Despite that adverse events were not univariately associated with any factor, severe adverse events were more likely to occur in stones > 13.5 mm. Multivariate analysis which disclosed success was higher when ML was not required and stones were < 13.5 mm. It also showed that no factor was associated with adverse events or their severity. No differences were found on success or adverse events that could be directly related to experience. Conclusions Success of EPLBD-EST is higher in stones < 13.5 mm and when ML is not required. Experience does not appear to play a major role.

Total laparoscopic versus endolaparoscopic common bile duct stone extraction and cholecystectomy

Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was the traditional method for the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones associated with gall bladder (GB) stones. With advances in laparoscopic instrumentation and skills, totally laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration is technically feasible and increasingly practiced by surgeons worldwide. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the results of the two procedures in the management of CBD stones associated with GB stones. Patients and methods A prospective randomized clinical study was carried out from December 2010 to December 2015. It included 252 patients with concomitant GB stones and CBD stones who were divided into two groups: group A (126 patients) included patients who underwent laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration and stone extraction with LC in one stage, and group B (126 patients) included patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for CBD stone extraction followed by LC after 2–3 days in two stages. Patients were followed up postoperatively at 1 week, 1, 6 months, and 1 year. Results The success rate was similar in groups A and B (88.1% in group A vs. 80.2% in group B; P = 0.2). The average number of procedures per patient was significantly lower in group A ( P P P = 0.6). On the first day after surgery, the pain score was lower in group A ( P = 0.03). Hospital stay of group A patients was significantly shorter ( P = 0.03). The cost of treatment per patient in group A was significantly lower ( P = 0.001). The patients in group A had higher satisfaction scores ( P = 0.006). Conclusion Although both approaches have equivalent success rates, the one-stage approach is better in terms of shorter hospital stay, fewer procedures, and better satisfaction and cost-effectiveness compared with the two-stage approach. Our study suggests that one-stage management is the treatment of choice for patients with concomitant GB and CBD stones.

Biliary stenting in difficult common bile duct stones: a single tertiary center experience.

We aimed to examine the effect of plastic biliary stenting in the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. The data of 13,034 patients in our unit who had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between 2008 and 2015 were scanned retrospectively. A biliary stent was placed in 61 of 74 patients. While the plastic biliary stent was placed in patients, the mean stone size after the 1st ERCP was 20 mm and the bile duct size was 13 mm. At the time of the 2nd ERCP conducted approximately 73.9 days later, the mean stone size was found to be 15 mm and the bile duct size was 12 mm. With recurrent ERCPs, the CBD stone was successfully removed in 53 patients but could not be removed in 8 patients. Among the 53 successful cases, 29 removals were successful in the 2nd ERCP session, 16 were successful in the 3rd session, 2 were successful in the 4th session, 1 was successful in the 5th session, 4 were successful in the 6th session, and 1 was successful in the 7th session. For CBD stones that cannot be removed by standard methods, temporary plastic stenting is an alternative method.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: 15-year experience in a district general hospital

The treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones remains controversial with debate between endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and CBD exploration. A recent meta-analysis has shown no significant difference between these approaches; however, there is a trend in the literature to favour a single-stage procedure in the form of laparoscopic CBD exploration. We report our experience over a 15-year period. All cases of CBD exploration were identified from 2000 to 2015 and analysed retrospectively from a large NHS Foundation Trust in Northumbria. There were no exclusions. The mean clinical follow-up was 6months (range 3-36months). A total of 296 patients were included who underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration: 203 were female and 93 were male. The mean age was 60years (range 16-84years). A total of 231 procedures were performed electively and 65 as an emergency. Ten procedures were successfully performed as day cases. Eleven procedures were converted to an open procedure due to adhesions or a difficult dissection (4%). Sixty-three procedures were performed with a transcystic approach with a mean post-op stay of 2days (range 0-7). A total of 233 procedures were performed with a choledocotomy with a mean post-op stay of 6days (range 3-14days). Stone clearance was successful in 255 patients (86%). Three patients died over the study period. Two were for medical complications and one for abdominal sepsis. Three patients returned to theatre for early post-operative bleeding (1%). Sixteen patients had persistent bile leaks following a choledocotomy (6.8%). No patients had a bile leak following transcystic exploration. Fourteen patients were followed up following failed stone removal. Nine had a successful ERCP, three had no stone seen on MRCP, and one patient required re-operation following a failed ERCP. Laparoscopic bile duct exploration can be performed successfully in both the emergency and elective settings. Day-case surgery is feasible in selected patients. A transcystic approach should be favoured where possible.

Cannulation of the biliary tree under endoscopic control with an echoendoscope, without fluoroscopy: report of a case series.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a validated technique allowing precise diagnosis and staging of pancreatic, biliary and ampullary disease. Developments in instruments and accessories have led to a more extensive use of this technology to perform operations. The use of EUS as an operative technique, alone or in conjunction with other endoscopic procedures, has already been described in the literature in several reports. However, despite the use of EUS, fluoroscopy has always been required to perform these operations. There are no data in the literature describing the feasibility, safety and efficacy of operative EUS in the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) obstruction, following a malignant or benign disease, performed completely under EUS guidance without fluoroscopic assistance. In this series we describe three cases of EUS treatment of CBD diseases performed without fluoroscopic assistance. All the cases were treated by EUS without fluoroscopic assistance and no complications were encountered. Operative EUS without fluoroscopy appears to be a feasible technique. Its major advantages could be to shorten the examination time and to enable biliary or pancreatic operative endoscopy in patients in whom fluoroscopy could be dangerous, such as pregnant women. The endoscopist should have a good training both in EUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Prospective, larger studies are needed to confirm our preliminary data.