Published in:
01-12-2004 | Original article
The long-term follow-up of patients with positive intraoperative cholangiograms during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 12/2004
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Background
The routine use of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for common bile duct (CBD) stones discovered during cholecystectomy would be further supported if the long-term outcomes were similar to those for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic papillotomy (ERCP/EP).
Methods
A retrospective review was completed of 151 patients who had a positive intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A “positive” IOC was defined as a filling defect or lack of contrast flow into the duodenum. A “successful” CBDE was defined as a negative IOC after completion of CBDE. Long-term follow-up was obtained using a standardized questionnaire to determine the incidence of recurrent biliary pain or need for subsequent ERCP/EP.
Results
CBD exploration was attempted in 142 patients (transcystic LCBDE 126 and open CBDE 16) and was successful in 107 of 142 (75%). Transcystic LCBDE was successful in 90 of 126 (71%). ERCP/EP was used in 41 patients; 35 of these cases were for failed LCBDE. Pancreatitis was not observed in any patient after CBDE but was observed in 3 of 41 patients (7.3%) after ERCP/EP. Long-term follow-up of the LCBDE versus ERCP/EP patients revealed no difference in the incidence of recurrent biliary pain or need for subsequent ERCP (mean follow-up time of 61 months).
Conclusion
LCBDE is safe and effective in the majority of cases when an attempt at transcystic LCBDE was made. In addition, after long-term follow-up of >5 years, the outcomes were similar if the stones were removed by intraoperative laparoscopic methods versus postoperative ERCP. LCBDE seems worthy of pursuing when an intraoperative CBD stone is discovered.