Laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus common bile duct exploration for extrahepatic bile duct stones and postoperative recurrenceassociated risk factors

BACKGROUND There remain controversies regarding the surgical treatment of extrahepatic bile duct stones(EHBDSs)in clinical practice.AIM To explore the curative effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)plus common bile duct exploration(CBDE)for the surgical treatment of EHBDSs and to analyze the risk factors that affect postoperative stone recurrence.METHODS Eighty-two patients with EHBDSs admitted between March 2017 and March 2023 were selected.Among them,patients treated with open choledocholithotomy plus LC or open cholecystectomy(OC)were set as the control group(n=40),and those treated with LC plus CBDE served as the observation group(n=42).The surgical outcomes of the two groups were compared,the surgical complications and Gas-trointestinal Quality of Life Index(GIQLI)scores were counted,and the one-year prognostic recurrence was recorded.Independent factors for postoperative re-currence were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS The two groups were comparable in the stone residual rate(P>0.05).The ope-ration time(P<0.05),intraoperative bleeding(P<0.05),and total complication rate(P=0.005)were lower in the observation group than in the control group.The observation group exhibited a marked increase in the GIQLI score,which was higher than the control group(P<0.05).A lower one-year recurrence rate was determined in the observation group vs the control group(P=0.027).Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction[odds ratio(OR)=5.712,P=0.007]and the treatment scheme of open choledocholithotomy plus LC or OC(OR=6.771,P=0.008)were the independent risk factors for one-year recurrence in patients after surgery.CONCLUSION LC plus CBDE for patients with EHBDSs can reduce stone residuals,intraoperative bleeding,complications,and postoperative recurrence.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The incidence of cholelithiasis has been on the rise in recent years,but the choice of procedure is controversial.AIM To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)in patients with gallbladder stones(GS)with common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS The clinical data of 102 patients with GS combined with CBDS were selected for retrospective analysis and divided into either an LC+EPBD group(n=50)or an LC+endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)group(n=52)according to surgical methods.Surgery-related indexes,postoperative recovery,postoperative complications,and expression levels of inflammatory response indexes were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Total surgical time,stone free rate,rate of conversion to laparotomy,and successful stone extraction rate did not differ significantly between the LC+EPBD group and LC+EST group.Intraoperative hemorrhage,time to ambulation,and length of hospitalization in the LC+EPBD group were lower than those of the LC+EST group(P<0.05).The rate of total complications of the two groups was 9.80%and 17.65%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant.No serious complications occurred in either group.At 48 h postoperatively,the expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,high-sensitivity Creactive protein,and procalcitonin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).At 3 d postoperatively,the expression levels of aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,and total bilirubin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LC combined with EPBD and LC combined with EST are both effective procedures for the treatment of GS with CBDS,in which LC combined with EPBD is beneficial to shorten the patient’s hospitalization time,reduce the magnitude of elevated inflammatory response indexes,and promote postoperative recovery.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration to treat choledocholithiasis in situs inversus patients:A technical review

Situs inversus(SI)is a rare congenital condition characterized by a mirror-image transposition of the major visceral organs.Since the 1990s,more than one hundred SI patients have been reported to have successfully undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy.In these cases,the major problem is to overcome is the left-right condition for right-handed surgeons.Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE),an alternative to treat patients with bile duct stones,has shown equivalent efficacy and is less likely to cause pancreatitis than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Recent updated meta-analyses revealed that a shorter postoperative hospital stay,fewer procedural interventions,cost-effectiveness,a higher stone clearance rate,and fewer perioperative complications are additional advantages of LCBDE.However,the technique is technically demanding,even for skilled laparoscopic surgeons.Conducting LCBDE in patients with difficult situations,such as SI,is more complex than usual.We herein review published SI patients with choledocholithiasis treated by LCBDE,including our own experience,and this paper focuses on the technical aspects.

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.

Role of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis

Surgical fraternity has not yet arrived at any consensus for adequate treatment of choledocholithiasis. Sequential treatment in the form of pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) is considered as optimal treatment till date. With refinements in technique and expertise in field of minimal access surgery, many centres in the world have started offering one stage management of choledocholithiasis by LC with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE). Various modalities have been tried for entering into concurrent common bile duct(CBD) [transcystic(TC) vs transcholedochal(TD)], for confirming stone clearance(intraoperative cholangiogram vs choledochoscopy), and for closure of choledochotomy(T-tube vs biliary stent vs primary closure) during LCBDE. Both TC and TD approaches are safe and effective. TD stone extraction is involved with an increased risk of bile leaks and requires more expertise in intra-corporeal suturing and choledochoscopy. Choice depends on number of stones, size of stone, diameter of cystic duct and CBD. This review article was undertaken to evaluate the role of LCBDE for the management of choledocholithiasis.

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 laparoscopic bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis with small common bile duct

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with laparoscopic common bile duct(CBD)exploration(LCBDE)is one of the main treatments for choledocholithiasis with CBD diameter of larger than 10 mm.However,for patients with small CBD(CBD diameter≤8 mm),endoscopic sphincterotomy remains the preferred treatment at present,but it also has some drawbacks associated with a series of complications,such as pancreatitis,hemorrhage,cholangitis,and duodenal perforation.To date,few studies have been reported that support the feasibility and safety of LCBDE for choledocholithiasis with small CBD.AIM To investigate the feasibility and safety of LCBDE for choledocholithiasis with small CBD.METHODS A total of 257 patients without acute cholangitis who underwent LC+LCBDE for cholecystolithiasis from January 2013 to December 2018 in one institution were reviewed.The clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.According to whether the diameter of CBD was larger than 8 mm,257 patients were divided into large CBD group(n=146)and small CBD group(n=111).Propensity score matching(1:1)was performed to adjust for clinical differences.The demographics,intraoperative data,short-term outcomes,and long-term follow-up outcomes for the patients were recorded and compared.RESULTS In total,257 patients who underwent successful LC+LCBDE were enrolled in the study,146 had large CBD and 111 had small CBD.The median follow-up period was 39(14-86)mo.For small CBD patients,the median CBD diameter was 0.6 cm(0.2-2.0 cm),the mean operating time was 107.2±28.3 min,and the postoperative bile leak rate,rate of residual CBD stones(CBDS),CBDS recurrence rate,and CBD stenosis rate were 5.41%(6/111),3.60%(4/111),1.80%(2/111),and 0%(0/111),respectively;the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.4±3.6 d.For large CBD patients,the median common bile duct diameter was 1.0 cm(0.3-3.0 cm),the mean operating time was 115.7±32.0 min,and the postoperative bile leak rate,rate of residual CBDS,CBDS recurrence rate,and CBD stenosis rate were 5.41%(9/146),1.37%(2/146),6.85%(10/146),and 0%(0/146),respectively;the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.7±2.7 d.After propensity score matching,184 patients remained,and all preoperative covariates except diameter of CBD stones were balanced.Postoperative bile leak occurred in 11 patients overall(5.98%),and no difference was found between the small CBD group(4.35%,4/92)and the large CBD group(7.61%,7/92).The incidence of CBDS recurrence did not differ significantly between the small CBD group(2.17%,2/92)and the large CBD group(6.52%,6/92).CONCLUSION LC+LCBDE is safe and feasible for choledocholithiasis patients with small CBD and did not increase the postoperative bile leak rate compared with choledocholithiasis patients with large CBD.

Prevention of common bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Since the widespread adoption of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the late 1980s, a rise in common bile duct (CBD) injury has been reported. We analyzed the factors contributing to a record of zero CBD injuries in 10 000 consecutive LCs. METHODS: The retrospective investigation included 10 000 patients who underwent LC from July 1992 to June 2007. LC was performed by 4 teams of surgeons. The chief main surgeon of each team has had over 10 years of experience in hepatobiliary surgery. Calot's triangle was carefully dissected, and the relationship of the cystic duct to the CBD and common hepatic duct was clearly identified. A clip was applied to the cystic duct at the neck of the gallbladder and the duct was incised with scissors proximal to the clip. The cystic artery was dissected by the same method. Then, the gallbladder was dissected from its liver bed. A drain was routinely left at the gallbladder bed for 1-2 days postoperatively. RESULTS: No CBD injuries occurred in 10 000 consecutive LCs, and there were 16 duct leaks (0.16%). Among these there were 10 Luschka duct leaks (0.1%) and 6 cystic duct leaks (0.06%). Four hundred thirty cases were converted to open cholecystectomy (OC), giving a conversion rate of 4.3%. After a mean follow-up of 17.5 months (range 6-24 months), no postoperative death due to LC occurred, and good results were observed in 95% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our 10 000 LCs with zero CBD injuries, the techniques used and practices at our department have been successful. Surgeon's expertise in biliary surgery, preoperative imaging, precise operative procedures, and conversion from LC to OC when needed are important measures to prevent CBD injuries.

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.

Innovation of endoscopic management in difficult common bile duct stone in the era of laparoscopic surgery

Common bile duct(CBD)stone is a common biliary problem,which often requires endoscopic approach as the initial treatment option.Roughly,7%-12%of the subjects who experience cholecystectomy were subsequently referred to biliary endoscopist for further management.In general,there are three classifications of difficult CBD stone,which are based on the characteristics of the stone(larger than 15 mm,barrel or square-shaped stones,and hard consistency),accessibility to papilla related to anatomical variations,and other clinical conditions or comorbidities of the patients.Currently,endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)of a previous sphincterotomy and EPLBD combined with limited sphincterotomy performed on the same session is still recommended by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as the main approach in difficult CBD stones with history of failed sphincterotomy and balloon and/or basket attempts.If failed extraction is still encountered,mechanical lithotripsy or cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy can be considered.Surgical approach can be considered when stone extraction is still failed or the facilities to perform lithotripsy are not available.To our knowledge,conflicting evidence are still found from previous studies related to the comparison between endoscopic and surgical approaches.The availability of experienced operator and resources needs to be considered in creating individualized treatment strategies for managing difficult biliary stones.

Hem-o-lok clip migration to the common bile duct after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration:A case report

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE)has been widely used for management of gallbladder and common bile duct(CBD)stones.Post-operative clip migration is a rare complication of laparoscopic biliary surgery,which can serve as a nidus for stone formation and cause recurrent cholangitis.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old female was admitted to hospital because of fever and acute right upper abdominal pain.She has a history of LC and had a LCBDE surgery 2 mo ago.Physical examination revealed tenderness in the upper quadrant of right abdomen.Computed tomography scan demonstrated a high-density shadow at the distal CBD,which was considered as migrated clips.The speculation was confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography examination,and two displaced Hem-o-lok clips were removed with a stone basket.No fever or abdominal pain presented after the operation.In addition to the case report,literature regarding surgical clip migration after laparoscopic biliary surgery was reviewed and discussed.CONCLUSION Incidence of postoperative clip migration may be reduced by using clips properly and correctly;however,new methods should be explored to occlude cystic duct and vessels.If a patient with a past history of LC or LCBDE presents with features of sepsis and recurrent upper quadrant pain,clip migration must be considered as one of the differential diagnosis.

Triple non-invasive diagnostic test for exclusion of common bile ducts stones before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM: To evaluate the impact of a preoperative "triple non-invasive diagnostic test" for diagnosis and/or exclusion of common bile duct stones. METHODS: All patients with symptomatic gallstone disease, operated on by laparoscopic cholecystectomy from March 2004 to March 2006 were studied retrospectively. Two hundred patients were included and reviewed by using a triple diagnostic test including: patient's medical history, routine liver function tests and routine ultrasonography. All patients were followed up 2-24 mo after surgery to evaluate the impact of triple diagnostic test. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were identified to have common bile duct stones. Lack of history of stones, negative laboratory tests and normal ultrasonography alone was proven to exclude common bile duct stones in some patients. However, a combination of these three components (triple diagnostic), was proven to be the most statistically significant test to exclude common bile duct stones in patients with gallstone disease. CONCLUSION: Using a combination of routinely used diagnostic components as triple diagnostic modality would increase the diagnostic accuracy of common bile duct stones preoperatively. This triple non-invasive test is recommended for excluding common bile duct stones and to identify patients in need for other investigations.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus cholangioscopy for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND Currently,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is the main treatment for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.However,the treatment is unsatisfactory,and the development of better therapies is needed.AIM To determine the clinical efficacy of LC plus cholangioscopy for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.METHODS Patients(n=243)with cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis admitted to The Affiliated Haixia Hospital of Huaqiao University(910th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force)between January 2019 and December 2023 were included in the study;111 patients(control group)underwent ERCP+LC and 132 patients(observation group)underwent LC+laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE).Surgical success rates,residual stone rates,complications(pancreatitis,hyperamylasemia,biliary tract infection,and bile leakage),surgical indicators[intraoperative blood loss(IBL)and operation time(OT)],recovery indices(postoperative exhaust/defecation time and hospital stay),and serum inflammatory markers[C-reactive protein(CRP)],tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)were compared.RESULTS No significant differences in surgical success rates and residual stone rates were detected between the observation and control groups.However,the complication rate,IBL,OT,postoperative exhaust/defecation time,and hospital stays were significantly reduced in the observation group compared with the control group.Furthermore,CRP,TNF-α,and IL-6 Levels after treatment were reduced in the observation group compared with the levels in the control group.CONCLUSION These results indicate that LC+LCBDE is safer than ERCP+LC for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.The surgical risks and postoperative complications were lower in the observation group compared with the control group.Thus,patients may recover quickly with less inflammation after LCBDE.

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.

Primary duct closure versus T-tube drainage after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration:a meta-analysis

Background and aims:Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE)is considered a safe and effective method for the removal of bile duct stones.However,the choice of primary duct closure(PDC)or T-tube drainage(TTD)technique after LCBDE is still controversial.This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of PDC and TTD after LCBDE.Methods:Studies published before May 1,2021 in Pub Med,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library databases were searched to screen out randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and cohort studies to compare PDC with TTD.Meta-analyses of fixed effect and random effect models were performed using Rev Man 5.3.Results:A total of 1865 patients were enrolled in six RCTs and ten cohort studies.Regarding RCTs,the PDC group was significantly better than the TTD group in terms of operation time,total postoperative complications,postoperative hospital stay,and hospitalization expenses(all P<0.05).Based on cohort studies of the subgroup,the PDC group had shorter operation time,shorter postoperative hospital stay,less intraoperative blood loss,and limited total postoperative complications.Statistically,there were no significant differences in bile leakage,retained stones,stone recurrence,bile duct stricture,postoperative pancreatitis,other complications,or postoperative exhaust time between the TTD and PDC groups.Conclusions:Based on the available evidence,compared with TTD,PDC is safe and effective,and can be used as the first choice after transductal LCBDE in patients with choledocholithiasis.

Single-session minimally invasive management of common bile duct stones

Up to 18% of patients submitted to cholecystectomy had concomitant common bile duct stones.To avoid serious complications,these stones should be removed.There is no consensus about the ideal management strategy for such patients.Traditionally,open surgery was offered but with the advent of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) minimally invasive approach had nearly replaced laparotomy because of its well-known advantages.Minimally invasive approach could be done in either twosession(preoperative ERCP followed by LC or LC followed by postoperative ERCP) or single-session(laparoscopic common bile duct exploration or LC with intraoperative ERCP).Most recent studies have found that both options are equivalent regarding safety and efficacy but the singlesession approach is associated with shorter hospital stay,fewer procedures per patient,and less cost.Consequently,single-session option should be offered to patients with cholecysto-choledocholithiaisis provided that local resources and expertise do exist.However,the management strategy should be tailored according to many variables,such as available resources,experience,patient characteristics,clinical presentations,and surgical pathology.

Three-dimensional identification of the cystic infundibulum-cystic duct junction: a technique for identification of the cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE: The main cause of bile duct injury (BDI) at laparoscopic cholecystectomy is misidentification of the common bile duct as the cystic duct (CD). The aim of this article is to introduce a modified technique, i. e., three-dimensional identification of the cystic infundibulum (CI)-CD junction, to prevent misidentification-induced BDI during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The Cl was extensively dissected to expose its anterior, interior-superior and inferior-dorsal aspects. With the CI nearly circularly dissected out, the CI and the appearance-indicated CI-CD junction might be three-dimensionally identified and the reality of the CI-CD junction as well as the reality of the CD could be precisely judged. RESULTS: Overall 10 BDIs were documented in this group. Since BDI occurred in 8 of 4382 patients receiving laparoscopic cholecyxtectomy, the technique for prevention of mixidentification-induced BDI was established. Among the late batch of 7618 patients, only two BDIs were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional identification of the CI-CD junction is a reliable, feasible and relatively low experience-dependent technique to prevent most of misidentification-induced BDI.

Ectopic opening of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb with recurrent choledocholithiasis: A case report

BACKGROUND Ectopic opening of the common bile duct is a condition with low incidence.Patients with an ectopic common bile duct opening have a high incidence of common bile duct stones and acute cholangitis.Patients with atypical symptoms and imaging findings are easily misdiagnosed;moreover,it is difficult to retrieve stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,and common bile duct stones are prone to postsurgical recurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old male patient presented with“intermittent upper abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes for 1 wk”.Transabdominal ultrasound indicated dilation of the common bile duct and the presence of stones.Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the common bile duct was dilated with stones and that its opening was ectopic.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed an abnormal opening of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb and the presence of common bile duct stones.Laparoscopic extrahepatic choledochectomy and hepatoenteric anastomosis were performed.After surgery,the patient recovered well and was discharged.The patient has been followed up for 2 years since the operation.He has not experienced stone recurrence,and his liver function and quality of life are good.CONCLUSION Improved understanding of ectopic opening of the common bile duct is needed for clinicians to provide patients with appropriate treatment.

Recovery from a biliary stricture of a common bile duct ligature injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Cholecystectomy is a common elective procedure for cholecystic diseases,including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.Common bile duct injury is a major complication in both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC).The number of cholecystectomies performed has increased due to popularization and application of the laparoscopic technique,which has led to an increase in the number of bile duct injuries.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man presented to the General Surgery Department with a complaint of repeated right upper quadrant pain for 2 years that had worsened over the previous day.The patient had a history of gallstones and hypertension.A LC was performed;it was found that a biliary stricture of 53 h duration was caused by a ligature injury of the common bile duct during the LC.Another laparoscopic exploration was performed,and the stricture was released.CONCLUSION LC is a common surgical procedure,but if a complication occurs,it is important for the surgeon to consider another exploratory surgery.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for biliary tract disease

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery(SILS), or laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, has been employed in various fields to minimize traumatic effects over the last two decades. Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(SILC) has been the most frequently studied SILS to date. Hundreds of studies on SILC have failed to present conclusive results. Most randomized controlled trials(RCTs) have been small in scale and have been conducted under ideal operative conditions. The role of SILC in complicated scenarios remains uncertain. As common bile duct exploration(CBDE) methods have been used for more than one hundred years, laparoscopic CBDE(LCBDE) has emerged as an effective, demanding, and infrequent technique employed during the laparoscopic era. Likewise, laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis is difficult to carry out, with only a few studies have been published on the approach. The application of SILS to CBDE and biliary-enteric anastomosis is extremely rare, and such innovative procedures are only carried out by a number of specialized groups across the globe. Herein we present a thorough and detailed analysis of SILC in terms of operative techniques, training and learning curves, safety and efficacy levels, recovery trends, and costs by reviewing RCTs conducted over the past three years and two recently updated meta-analyses. All existing literature on single-incision LCBDE and singleincision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy has been reviewed to describe these two demanding techniques.