title: Laparoscopic choledochoscopy and choledocholithotomy.
abstract: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is rapidly replacing traditional cholecystectomy as the treatment of choice for patients with cholelithiasis. Complications of cholelithiasis are likewise being treated laparoscopically. Choledocholithiasis represents a major challenge for the laparoscopic surgeon. This report is of the early experience with laparoscopy as the primary treatment of common bile duct stones. Two methods are described: (a) transcystic duct choledochoscopy and (b) laparoscopic choledochotomy. Twenty-two patients were encountered with choledocholithiasis (4.8% of total cholecystectomies). Successful laparoscopic choledocholithotomy was performed in 18 cases (82%). Techniques and options are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Surgery Clinic of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
authors.forename: V J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Bagnato
mesh_terms: D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*