Prevention of Biliary Duct Injury in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using Optical Fiber Illumination in Common Bile Duct.

Background: Biliary duct injury (BDI) is one of the most common complications in laparoscopic cholectecystomy (LC), in this study, we have tried to place an illuminating optical fiber via endoscopy in the CBD during LC, the biliary duct anatomy can be clearly delineated, thus CBD injury is avoided.

Methods: Sixteen patients with chronic cholecystitis or/and cholelithiasis from February 2007 to June 2008 were performed LC with placement of optical fiber in CBD, the fiber with cold light illuminates the whole extrahepatic biliary system. Three 6-mm titanium clips were applied to the soft tissue surrounding the hepatic duct, CBD and the cystic duct confluence with CBD, respectively; one titanium clip was applied to the surface of cystic duct near the infundibulum of gallbladder.