Laparoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis using modified biliary stents

Background: When common bile duct (CBD) stones are present, the laparoscopic approach is widely used. For postoperative biliary decompression, T-tube insertion is the most traditional method. Antegrade biliary stenting is another method that could eventually replace the T-tube. Methods: This study involved 86 patients with CBD stones who underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration. A simple modification was made to the biliary stent by eliminating the proximal flap, and we adopted this as a routine biliary decompression device. This modified biliary stent (MBS) was inserted in 50 patients (MBS group), and the T-tube was used for 36 patients (T-tube group). Results: The mean operative time and the overall complication rate were similar between the two groups. There was no mortality. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter for the MBS group. Biliary stents were eliminated spontaneously via the gastrointestinal tract among 36 (81.8%) patients, and for 8 patients, the stents had to be removed endoscopically. Six patients were lost to follow-up evaluation. The mean time that elapsed until spontaneous stent elimination was 11.5 ± 9.5 days. Conclusions: Among the different methods of biliary decompression, MBS renders the patients free of an uncomfortable T-tube. Morbidity and even mortality associated with T-tubes are eliminated, and the hospital stay may be shortened. Therefore, for selected patients, the modified biliary stent may be a better option than the traditional T-tube.