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.

Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after surgical treatment and effect of ursodeoxycholic acid intervention

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an accurate diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis and treatment option for stone removal.Additionally,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)can dissolve cholesterol stones and prevent their development and reappearance by lowering the cholesterol concen-tration in bile.Despite these treatment options,there are still patients who experience stone recurrence.The clinical data of 100 patients with choledochal stones who were hospitalized at the Yixing People’s Hospital and underwent ERCP for successful stone extraction between June 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the post-ERCP treatment plan,100 patients were classified into UDCA(n=47)and control(n=53)groups.We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and rate of relapse in the two patient populations.We then collected information(basic demographic data,clinical characteristics,and serum biochemical indicators)and determined the factors contributing to relapse using logistic regression analysis.Our secondary goal was to determine the effects of UDCA on liver function after ERCP.Compared to the control group,the UDCA group demonstrated a higher clinical effectiveness rate of 92.45%vs 78.72%(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in liver function indices,including total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and aspartate aminotransferase,between the two groups before treatment.After treatment,all liver function indices were significantly reduced.Comparing the control vs UDCA groups,the UDCA group exhibited significantly lower levels of all indices(55.39±6.53 vs 77.31±8.52,32.10±4.62 vs 45.39±5.69,142.32±14.21 vs 189.63±16.87,112.52±14.25 vs 149.36±15.36,122.61±16.00 vs 171.33±22.09,96.98±10.44 vs 121.35±11.57,respectively,all P<0.05).The stone recurrence rate was lower in the UDCA group(13.21%)in contrast with the control group(44.68%).Periampullary diverticula(OR:6.00,95%CI:1.69-21.30),maximum stone diameter(OR:1.69,95%CI:1.01-2.85),stone quantity>3(OR:4.23,95%CI:1.17-15.26),and positive bile culture(OR:7.61,95%CI:2.07-27.91)were independent factors that influenced the relapse of common bile duct stones after ERCP(P<0.05).Furthermore,postoperative UDCA was identified as a preventive factor(OR:0.07;95%CI:0.08-0.09).CONCLUSION The intervention effect of UDCA after ERCP for common bile duct stones is adequate,providing new research directions and references for the prevention and treatment of stone recurrence.

Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation for management of gallstones after elimination of common bile duct stones

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined ursodeoxycholic acid and percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation for management of gallstones after expulsion of common bile duct(CBD) stones.METHODS From April 2014 to May 2016, 15 consecutive patients(6 men and 9 women) aged 45-86(mean, 69.07 ± 9.91) years suffering from CBD stones associated with gallstones were evaluated. Good gallbladder contraction function was confirmed by type B ultrasonography. Dilation of the CBD and cystic duct was detected. Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of the papilla was performed, ursodeoxycholic acid was administered, and all patients had a high-fat diet. All subjects underwent repeated cholangiography, and percutaneous transhepatic removal was carried out in patients with secondary CBD stones originating from the gallbladder. RESULTS All patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation with a primary success rate of 100%. The combined therapy was successful in 86.7% of patients with concomitant CBD stones and gallstones. No remaining stones were detected in the gallbladder. Transient adverse events include abdominal pain(n = 1), abdominal distension(n = 1), and fever(n = 1). Complications were treated successfully via nonsurgical management without long-term complications. No procedure-related mortality occurred. CONCLUSION For patients with concomitant CBD stones and gallstones, after percutaneous transhepatic removal of primary CBD stones, oral ursodeoxycholic acid and a high-fat diet followed by percutaneous transhepatic removal of secondary CBD stones appear to be a feasible and effective option for management of gallstones.

Asymptomatic bile duct stones:The devil is in the details

Common bile duct(CBD)stones are a common biliary tract disease.For asymp-tomatic CBD stones,stone removal by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato-graphy(ERCP)is recommended in available guidelines.Because asymptomatic CBD stones is a benign disease with no noticeable symptoms,the risk vs benefit strategy should be thoroughly considered before performing ERCP in these patients.Clinical care review,technical aspects of the procedure,and patient preferences should also be considered.

Comprehensive review on small common bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones are among the most common conditions encountered by endoscopists.Therefore,it is well researched;however,some items,such as indications for endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation(EPBD),safety of EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulant,selection strategy for retrieval balloons and baskets,lack adequate evidence.Therefore,the guidelines have been updated with new research,while others remain unchanged due to weak evidence.In this review,we comprehensively summarize the standard methods in guidelines and new findings from recent studies on papillary dilation,stone retrieval devices,difficult-to-treat cases,troubleshooting during the procedure,and complicated cases of cholangitis,cholecystolithiasis,or distal biliary stricture.

Cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through novel papillary support for small-calibre and sediment-like common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND To date,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has become a wellestablished treatment for common bile duct(CBD)stones.However,it is not suitable for some special patients,such as pregnant women,children or those who cannot stop taking anti-coagulation/anti-platelet agents because of radiation injury and the risk of postoperative bleeding resulting from endoscopic sphincterotomy.To overcome these two problems,this study introduced cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through a novel papillary support for small-calibre and sediment-like CBD stones.AIM To assess the feasibility and safety of cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through a novel papillary support(CEPTS)for small-calibre and sediment-like common bile duct(CBD)stones.METHODS This Retrospective study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chinese PLA General Hospital.We designed a covered single dumbbell-style papillary support between 2021 and 2022.Between July 2022 and September 2022,7 consecutive patients with small-calibre(cross diameter≤1.0 cm)or sediment-like CBD stones underwent CETPS procedures in our center.The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of these 7 patients were extracted from a prospectively collected database.And the related data were analyzed.Informed consent was obtained from all participating patients.RESULTS A total of 2 patients had yellow sediment-like CBD stones,and aspiration extraction was performed after the insertion of papillary support.Of the 5 patients with clumpy CBD stones(0.4-1.0 cm),2 underwent basket extraction under direct vision for a single stone(0.5-1.0 cm,black and black grey),1 underwent balloon plus aspiration extraction under direct vision for 5 stones(0.4-0.6 cm,brown),and 2 underwent aspiration extraction only for a single stone(0.5-0.6 cm,yellow,none).Technical success,namely,no residual stones in the CBD or left and right hepatic ducts,was achieved in all 7 cases(100%).The median operating time was 45.0 minutes(range 13.0–87.0 minutes).Postoperative pancreatitis(PEP)occurred in one case(14.3%).Hyperamylasaemia without abdominal pain was noted in 2 of 7 patients.No residual stones or cholangitis were found during the follow-up.CONCLUSION CETPS appeared to be feasible to treat patients with small-calibre or sediment-like CBD stones.Patients,especially pregnant women and those who cannot stop anticoagulation/anti-platelet agents,could benefit from this technique.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation alone or combined with small or complete sphincterotomy for the removal of large common bile duct stones

Background:Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)has been proposed as an alternative to manage large bile duct stones.However,EPLBD alone or combined with sphincterotomy remains controversial.Methods:Between Jan.2014 and Dec.2017,195 consecutive patients with proven large common bile duct stones(size≥10 mm)were retrospectively analyzed.We compared the baseline characteristics,procedure time,success rate of stone removal and morbidity outcomes in different groups.Results:There were no significant difference between baseline characteristics of the groups compared.A total of 89.2%,95.4%,and 93.8% of the patients in the EPLBD,EPLBD+small sphincterotomy(SES),and EPLBD+complete sphincterotomy(CES)groups had stones cleared(P=0.473),respectively.There was no difference in terms of procedure time(33.5±10.2,34.8±9.0,34.9±8.2,in the EPLBD,EPLBD+SES,and EPLBD+CES groups,respectively).However,when assigned to tvvo groups according to bile duct stones diameter(bile duct stones<13 mm,bile duct stones≥13 mm).in the bile duct stones<13 mm group,the procedure time was significantly less in the EPLBD group than the EPLBD+SES group and the EPLBD+CES group(P=0.028).In the bile duct stones≥13 mm group,the mechanical lithotripsy rate of EPLBD was significantly higher compared to EPLBD+SES or EPLBD+CES(P=0.032).The complication rates were similar among all groups.Conclusions:The diameter of bile duct stones should be taken into consideration when choosing EPLBD alone or combined with small sphincterotomy for the removal of common bile duct stones.

Two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones

AIM:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of twostage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones.METHODS:Four databases,including PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Science Citation Index up to September 2011,were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers.The primary outcomes were stone clearance from the common bile duct,postoperative morbidity and mortality.The secondary outcomes were conversion to other procedures,number of procedures per patient,length of hospital stay,total operative time,hospitalization charges,patient acceptance and quality of life scores.RESULTS:Seven eligible RCTs [five trials(n = 621) comparing preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)/endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) + laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) with LC + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE);two trials(n = 166) comparing postoperative ERCP/EST + LC with LC + LCBDE],composed of 787 patients in total,were included in the final analysis.The metaanalysis detected no statistically significant difference between the two groups in stone clearance from the common bile duct [risk ratios(RR) =-0.10,95% confidence intervals(CI):-0.24 to 0.04,P = 0.17],postoperative morbidity(RR = 0.79,95% CI:0.58 to 1.10,P = 0.16),mortality(RR = 2.19,95% CI:0.33 to 14.67,P = 0.42),conversion to other procedures(RR = 1.21,95% CI:0.54 to 2.70,P = 0.39),length of hospital stay(MD = 0.99,95% CI:-1.59 to 3.57,P = 0.45),total operative time(MD = 12.14,95% CI:-1.83 to 26.10,P = 0.09).Two-stage(LC + ERCP/EST) management clearly required more procedures per patient than single-stage(LC + LCBDE) management.CONCLUSION:Single-stage management is equivalent to two-stage management but requires fewer procedures.However,patient's condition,operator's expertise and local resources should be taken into account in making treatment decisions.

Ampulla dilation with different sized balloons to remove common bile duct stones

AIM:To assess the outcomes of ampulla dilation with different sized balloons to remove common bile duct (CBD) stones.METHODS:Patients (n=208) were divided into five groups based on the largest CBD stone size of < 5,6-8,8-12,12-14,and > 14 mm.Patients underwent limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) alone or limited EST followed by endoscopic papillary balloon dilation with 8,10,12 and 14 mm balloons,such that the size of each balloon did not exceed the size of the CBD.Short-and long-term outcomes,such as post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis,perforation,bleeding,and pneumobilia were compared among the five groups.RESULTS:The overall rate of successful stone removal in all groups was 100%,and all patients were cured.Eight (3.85%) patients had post-ERCP pancreatitis,none had perforations,and 6 (2.9%) had bleeding re-quiring transfusion.There were no significant differences in early complication rates among the five groups.We observed significant correlations between increased balloon size and the short-and long-term rates of postERCP pneumobilia.Post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding correlated significantly with age,with post-ERCP pancreatitis occurring more frequently in patients aged < 60 years,and bleeding occurring more frequently in patients aged > 70 years.We observed a significant correlation between patient age and the diameter of the largest CBD stone,with stones > 12 mm occurring more frequently in patients > 60 years old.CONCLUSION:Choosing a balloon size based on the largest stone diameter is safe and effective for removing CBD stones.Balloon size should not exceed 15 mm.

Risk factors for the development of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed that patients with asymptomatic common bile duct(CBD)stones are at a high risk of developing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP).However,no studies to date have addressed the risk factors for PEP in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.AIM To examine the risk factors for PEP in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.METHODS Using medical records of three institutions in Japan for 6 years,we identified a total of 1135 patients with choledocholithiasis including 967 symptomatic patients and 168 asymptomatic patients with native papilla who underwent therapeutic ERCP.We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the risk factors for PEP in the 168 patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.RESULTS The overall incidence rate of PEP in all the patients with during study period was 4.7%(53/1135).Of the 168 patients with asymptomatic CBD stones,24(14.3%)developed PEP.In univariate analysis,precut sphincterotomy(P=0.009)and biliary balloon sphincter dilation(P=0.043)were significant risk factors for PEP.In multivariate analysis,precut sphincterotomy(P=0.002,95%CI:2.2-27.8,odds ratio=7.7),biliary balloon sphincter dilation(P=0.015,95%CI:1.4-17.3,odds ratio=4.9),and trainee endoscopists(P=0.048,95%CI:1.01-8.1,odds ratio=2.9)were significant risk factors for PEP.CONCLUSION ERCP for asymptomatic CBD stones should be performed by experienced endoscopists.When performing precut sphincterotomy or biliary balloon sphincter dilation in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones,the placement of a prophylactic pancreatic stent is strongly recommended to prevent PEP.

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

BACKGROUND 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.AIM 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.METHODS 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.RESULTS 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.CONCLUSION 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.

Poorly expandable common bile duct with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

AIM:To describe characteristics of a poorly expandable(PE) common bile duct(CBD) with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.METHODS:A PE bile duct was characterized by a rigid and relatively narrowed distal CBD with retrograde dilatation of the non-PE segment.Between 2003 and 2006,endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC) images and chart reviews of 1213 patients with newly diagnosed CBD stones were obtained from the computer database of Therapeutic Endoscopic Center in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.Patients with characteristic PE bile duct on ERC were identified from the database.Data of the patients as well as the safety and technical success of therapeutic ERC were collected and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS:A total of 30 patients with CBD stones and characteristic PE segments were enrolled in this study.The median patient age was 45 years(range,20 to 92 years);66.7% of the patients were men.The diameters of the widest non-PE CBD segment,the PE segment,and the largest stone were 14.3 ± 4.9 mm,5.8 ± 1.6 mm,and 11.2 ± 4.7 mm,respectively.The length of the PE segment was 39.7 ± 15.4 mm(range,12.3 mm to 70.9 mm).To remove the CBD stone(s) completely,mechanical lithotripsy was required in 25(83.3%) patients even though the stone size was not as large as were the difficult stones that have been described in the literature.The stone size and stone/PE segment diameter ratio were associated with the need for lithotripsy.Post-ERC complications occurred in 4 cases:pancreatitis in 1,cholangitis in 2,and an impacted Dormia basket with cholangitis in 1.Two(6.7%) of the 28 patients developed recurrent CBD stones at follow-up(50 ± 14 mo) and were successfully managed with therapeutic ERC.CONCLUSION:Patients with a PE duct frequently require mechanical lithotripsy for stones extraction.To retrieve stones successfully and avoid complications,these patients should be identified during ERC.

Common bile duct morphology is associated with recurrence of common bile duct stones in Billroth II anatomy patients

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is the primary choice for removing common bile duct(CBD)stones in Billroth II anatomy patients.The recurrence of CBD stones is still a challenging problem.AIM To evaluate CBD morphology and other predictors affecting CBD stone recurrence.METHODS A retrospective case-control analysis was performed on 138 CBD stones patients with a history of Billroth II gastrectomy,who underwent therapeutic ERCP for stone extraction at our center from January 2011 to October 2020.CBD morphology and other predictors affecting CBD stone recurrence were examined by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS CBD morphology(P<0.01)and CBD diameter≥1.5 cm(odds ratio[OR]=6.15,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.87-20.24,P<0.01)were the two independent risk factors.In multivariate analysis,the recurrence rate of patients with S type was 16.79 times that of patients with straight type(OR=16.79,95%CI:4.26-66.09,P<0.01),the recurrence rate of patients with polyline type was 4.97 times that of patients with straight type(OR=4.97,95%CI:1.42-17.38,P=0.01),and the recurrence rate of S type patients was 3.38 times that of patients with polyline type(OR=3.38,95%CI:1.07-10.72,P=0.04).CONCLUSION CBD morphology,especially S type and polyline type,is associated with increased recurrence of CBD stones in Billroth II anatomy patients.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in evaluation of patients with missed common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Choledocholithiasis develops in up to 20%of patients with gall bladder stones.The challenge in diagnosis usually occurs with small stones that may be missed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP).Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is accurate in detecting common bile duct(CBD)stones missed by MRCP,especially the small ones or those impacted at the distal CBD or the papillary region.AIM To evaluate the accuracy of EUS in detecting CBD stones missed by MRCP.METHODS Patients with an intermediate likelihood of choledocholithiasis according to ESGE guidelines and those with acute pancreatitis of undetermined cause were included.The presence of choledocholithiasis was evaluated by MRCP and EUS,and then results were confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).The sensitivity and specificity of EUS and MRCP were compared regarding the presence of stones,the size,and the number of detected stones.RESULTS Ninety out of 100 involved patients had choledocholithiasis,while ten patients were excluded as they had pancreatic or gall bladder masses during EUS examination.In choledocholithiasis patients,the mean age was 52.37±14.64 years,and 52.2%were males.Most patients had biliary obstruction(74.4%),while only 23(25.6%)patients had unexplained pancreatitis.The overall prevalence of choledocholithiasis was 83.3%by EUS,41.1%by MRCP,and 74.4%by ERCP.Also,the number and size of CBD stones could be detected accurately in 78.2%and 75.6%by EUS and 41.1%and 70.3%by MRCP,respectively.The sensitivity of EUS was higher than that of MRCP(98.51%vs 55.22%),and their predictive value was statistically different(P<0.001).Combination of both tools raised the sensitivity to 97.22%and specificity to 100%.CONCLUSION EUS could be a useful tool in assessing patients with suspected choledocholithiasis especially if combined with MRCP.However,its usefulness depends on its availability and the experience of the local centers.

Removal of intrahepatic bile duct stone could reduce the risk of cholangiocarcinoma

Hepatolithiasis(HL)poses a significant risk for cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)development,with reported incidences ranging from 5%-13%.Risk factors include older age,smoking,hepatitis B infection,and prolonged HL duration.Chronic inflammation and mechanical stress on the biliary epithelium contribute to CCA pathogenesis.Hepatectomy reduces CCA risk by removing stones and atrophic liver segments.However,residual stones and incomplete removal increase CCA risk.Kim et al identified carbohydrate antigen 19-9,carcinoembryonic antigen,and stone laterality as CCA risk factors,reaffirming the importance of complete stone removal.Nonetheless,challenges remain in preventing CCA recurrence post-surgery.Longer-term studies are needed to elucidate CCA risk factors further.

Common bile duct stones on multidetector computed tomography:Attenuation patterns and detectability

AIM:To investigate the attenuation patterns and detectability of common bile duct(CBD) stones by multidetector computed tomography(MDCT).METHODS:Between March 2010 and February 2012,191 patients with suspicion of CBD stones undergoing both MDCT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were classified as heavily calcified,radiopaque,less radiopaque,or undetectable.The association between the attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT and stone type consisting of pure cholesterol,mixed cholesterol,brown pigment,and black pigment and the factors related to the detectability of CBD stones by MDCT were evaluated.RESULTS:MDCT showed CBD stones in 111 of 130 patients in whom the CBD stones were demonstrated by ERCP with 85.4% sensitivity.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were heavily calcified 34(26%),radiopaque 31(24%),less radiopaque 46(35%),and undetectable 19(15%).The radiopacity of CBD stones differed significantly according to stone type(P < 0.001).From the receiver operating characteristic curve,stone size was useful for the determination of CBD stone by MDCT(area under curve 0.779,P < 0.001) and appropriate cut-off stone size on MDCT was 5 mm.The factors related to detectability of CBD stones on MDCT were age,stone type,and stone size on multivariate analysis(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The radiopacity of CBD stones on MDCT differed according to stone type.Stone type and stone size were related to the detectability by MDCT,and appropriate cut-off stone size was 5 mm.

Intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)inthe late 1980s gained widespread acceptance withina short period of time and has become the preferredtreatment for symptomatic gallstones,but themanagement of coexisting gallbladder and commonbile duct(CBD)stones has remained controversialbecause the various strategies proposed have theirlimitations.In fact,choledocholithiasis

Outcomes of endoscopic sphincterotomy vs open choledochotomy for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) for the management of common bile duct stones(CBDS) is used increasingly widely because it is a minimally invasive procedure. However, some clinical practitioners argued that EST may be complicated by post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP) and accompanied by a higher recurrence of CBDS than open choledochotomy(OCT). Whether any differences in outcomes exist between these two approaches for treating CBDS has not been thoroughly elucidated to date.AIM To compare the outcomes of EST vs OCT for the management of CBDS and to clarify the risk factors associated with stone recurrence.METHODS Patients who underwent EST or OCT for CBDS between January 2010 and December 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Follow-up data were obtained through telephone or by searching the medical records. Statistical analysis was carried out for 302 patients who had a follow-up period of at least 5 years or had a recurrence. Propensity score matching(1:1) was performed to adjust for clinical differences. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for recurrence, and a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was generated for qualifying independent risk factors.RESULTS In total, 302 patients undergoing successful EST(n = 168) or OCT(n = 134) were enrolled in the study and were followed for a median of 6.3 years. After propensity score matching, 176 patients remained, and all covariates were balanced. EST was associated with significantly shorter time to relieving biliary obstruction, anesthetic duration, procedure time, and hospital stay than OCT(P <0.001). The number of complete stone clearance sessions increased significantly in the EST group(P = 0.009). The overall incidence of complications and mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups. Recurrent CBDS occurred in18.8%(33/176) of the patients overall, but no difference was found between the EST(20.5%, 18/88) and OCT(17.0%, 15/88) groups. Factors associated with CBDS recurrence included common bile duct(CBD) diameter > 15 mm(OR =2.72; 95%CI: 1.26-5.87; P = 0.011), multiple CBDS(OR = 5.09; 95%CI: 2.58-10.07; P< 0.001), and distal CBD angle ≤ 145°(OR = 2.92; 95%CI: 1.54-5.55; P = 0.001). The prediction model incorporating these factors demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81(95%CI: 0.76-0.87).CONCLUSION EST is superior to OCT with regard to time to biliary obstruction relief, anesthetic duration, procedure time, and hospital stay and is not associated with an increased recurrence rate or mortality compared with OCT in the management of CBDS.

Big-data analysis: A clinical pathway on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND A clinical pathway(CP)is a standardized approach for disease management.However,big data-based evidence is rarely involved in CP for related common bile duct(CBD)stones,let alone outcome comparisons before and after CP implementation.AIM To investigate the value of CP implementation in patients with CBD stones undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in patients with CBD stones undergoing ERCP from January 2007 to December 2017.The data and outcomes were compared by using univariate and multivariable regression/linear models between the patients who received conventional care(non-pathway group,n=467)and CP care(pathway group,n=2196).RESULTS At baseline,the main differences observed between the two groups were the percentage of patients with multiple stones(P<0.001)and incidence of cholangitis complication(P<0.05).The percentage of antibiotic use and complications in the CP group were significantly less than those in the nonpathway group[adjusted odds ratio(OR)=0.72,95%confidence interval(CI):0.55-0.93,P=0.012,adjusted OR=0.44,95%CI:0.33-0.59,P<0.001,respectively].Patients spent lower costs on hospitalization,operation,nursing,medication,and medical consumable materials(P<0.001 for all),and even experienced shorter length of hospital stay(LOHS)(P<0.001)after the CP implementation.No significant differences in clinical outcomes,readmission rate,or secondary surgery rate were presented between the patients in the non-pathway and CP groups.CONCLUSION Implementing a CP for patients with CBD stones is a safe mode to reduce the LOHS,hospital costs,antibiotic use,and complication rate.

Percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation for simultaneous gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones:A novel technique

AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of an innovative percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation(PTEBD) technique for clearance of gallbladder stones in patients with concomitant stones in the common bile duct(CBD).METHODS The data from 17 consecutive patients who underwent PTEBD for clearance of gallbladder stones were retrospectively analyzed. After removal of the CBD stones by percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation(PTBD), the gallbladder stones were extracted to the CBD and pushed into the duodenum with a balloon after dilation of the sphincter of Oddi. Large stones were fragmented using a metallic basket. The patients were monitored for immediate adverse events including hemorrhage, perforation, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. During the two-year follow-up, they were monitored for stone recurrence, reflux cholangitis, and other longterm adverse events.RESULTS Gallbladder stones were successfully removed in 16(94.1%) patients. PTEBD was repeated in one patient. The mean hospitalization duration was 15.9 ± 2.2 d. Biliary duct infection and hemorrhage occurred in one(5.9%) patient. No severe adverse events, including pancreatitis or perforation of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract occurred. Neither gallbladder stone recurrence nor refluxing cholangitis had occurred two years after the procedure.CONCLUSION Sequential PTBD and PTEBD are safe and effective for patients with simultaneous gallbladder and CBD stones. These techniques provide a new therapeutic approach for certain subgroups of patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgery is not appropriate.