Clinical Science
Comparison of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis: a prospective randomized study

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2013.02.004Get rights and content

Abstract

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration are safe and efficient methods that have recently been used for the treatment of bile duct stones. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and surgical outcomes of the laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCBDE+LC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP+LC).

Methods

One hundred twenty patients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups: LCBDE with LC in a single intervention and LC after ERCP.

Results

The success rate of the LCBDE+LC group (96.5%) was found to be higher than for the ERCP+LC group (94.4%). Complication rates of the LCBDE+LC and ERCP+LC group were 7% and 11.1%, respectively. Complications requiring ERCP in the postoperative period after LCBDE+LC have been noted in 3.5% of cases.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic CBD exploration provides an alternative therapeutic approach that has less morbidity, is cost-effective, and allows earlier recovery with a reduced period of short-term disability.

Section snippets

Study population

This study was a randomized controlled trial comparing preoperative ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with LCBDE for choledocholithiasis treatment. A total of 120 patients with gallstones concomitant with CBD stones underwent surgery between January 2008 and September 2010. They were divided into 2 groups and each group consisted of 60 patients. Patients were selected from among a good risk population, with classic signs and symptoms of gallstone disease in Okmeydanı Training

Results

A total of 120 patients were randomized for the treatment of CBD stones. Sixty patients were randomized to LCBDE+LC (group 1) and 60 patients were randomized to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sphincterotomy (ERCP)+LC (group 2). Nine patients had protocol violations and were excluded from outcome analysis: 3 in the LCBDE+LC group, 6 in the ERCP/S+LC group. CBD stones could not be detected for 3 patients in each group, and these patients were excluded from the study. Three

Comments

Choledocholithiasis causes gallstone pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction, and cholangitis. Moreover, with an incidence rate of 5% to 15% of patients with gallbladder stones, it is the 2nd most common complication after acute cholecystitis.10 Furthermore, this incidence of CBD stones increased up to 20% in elderly patients.11, 12 CBD stones are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality from complications including pancreatitis, cholangitis, and hepatic dysfunction. To prevent these

Conclusions

Various therapeutic options are available for managing choledocholithiasis. The results demonstrate that the ductal stone clearance rate was equivalent in LCBDE and ERCP. However, for patients with CBD stones along with severe comorbid diseases and for emergency patients, ERCP was considered a 1st strategy. In experienced hands, LCBDE is a safe and feasible option with the advantages of minimal access and preservation of sphincter anatomic functions.

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    The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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