Laparoscopic Bile Duct Clearance Without Choledochoscopy.

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been proven to be a safe, efficient, and cost-effective option for the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. There are two guiding methods during LCBDE: fluoroscopic or choledochoscopic. Most surgeons prefer the use of flexible choledochoscopy at LCBDE, but it is a fragile, delicate, and expensive instrument.

Laparoscopic exploration versus intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones: a prospective randomized trial.

Background/aims: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) combined with intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (IOES) was compared to LC with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) to define the best single-session minimally invasive treatment for cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

Methods: Between June 2009 and December 2010, patients with gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones diagnosed by preoperative ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were randomized to LC-LCBDE or LC-IOES. The primary end point was complete clearance of CBD of stones.

Preoperative versus intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy for management of common bile duct stones.

Background: ERCP remains the prevailing method of treating CBDS; however, its ideal timing in respect to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is not defined. LC combined with intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (IOES) was compared with preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (PES) followed by LC for management of preoperatively known cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

Methods: Between June 2006 and September 2009, 198 patients diagnosed preoperatively by clinical assessment, liver chemistry, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to have combined choledochocystolithiasis were eligible.