Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones(CBDS)or choledocho-lithiasis due to advancements in instruments,surgical intervention,known as common bile duct exploration(CBDE),is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS,failed endoscopic treatment,or altered anatomy.Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes.This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy,selection indications,and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding.The selection between trans-cystic(TC)vs trans-choledochal(TD)approaches is described,along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure.Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches,including instrument selection,is also provided.Additionally,this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage,stricture,and entrapment,and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies.This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE,with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Is fascial closure required for a 12-mm trocar?A comparative study on trocar site hernia with long-term follow up

BACKGROUND Despite the infrequency of trocar site hernias(TSHs),fascial closure continues to be recommended for their prevention when using a≥10-mm trocar.AIM To identify the necessity of fascial closure for a 12-mm nonbladed trocar incision in minimally invasive colorectal surgeries.METHODS Between July 2010 and December 2018,all patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit of Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.All patients underwent cross-sectional imaging for TSH assessment.Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded.Incidence rates of TSH and postoperative results were analyzed.RESULTS Of the 254 patients included,70(111 ports)were in the fascial closure(closed)group and 184(279 ports)were in the nonfascial closure(open)group.The median follow up duration was 43 mo.During follow up,three patients in the open group developed TSHs,whereas none in the closed group developed the condition(1.1%vs 0%,P=0.561).All TSHs occurred in the right lower abdomen.Patients whose drains were placed through the same incision had higher rates of TSHs compared with those without the drain.The open group had a significantly shorter operative time and lower blood loss than the closed group.CONCLUSION Routine performance of fascial closure when using a 12-mm nonbladed trocar may not be needed.However,further prospective studies with cross-sectional imaging follow-up and larger sample size are needed to confirm this finding.