Outcomes of emergency common bile duct exploration: impact of preoperative endoscopic decompression.
BACKGROUND
Emergency common bile duct exploration (CBDE) is still required in patients acutely ill with complicated biliary tract stone disease when endoscopic decompression fails to reverse their condition. This study looks at the clinical profile of patients requiring emergency CBDE and examines the various factors influencing the postoperative outcome.


METHODS
Clinical records of patients with emergency CBDE in Singapore General Hospital from January 1991 to December 1998 were reviewed. Factors influencing postoperative outcomes, for example, pre-existing medical problems, hepatic parameters, the impact of endoscopic procedures (if any) and indications for surgery, were correlated with postoperative morbidity and 30-day mortality.


RESULTS
The records of 100 patients were available for review. Major indications for emergency CBDE were cholangitis (51%) and intraoperative findings of common bile duct obstruction during emergency laparotomy (23%). Six patients had emergency CBDE because of iatrogenic complication of attempted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) for biliary stones. Overall mortality was 14.0% and 8.0% had retained stones. Mortality was significantly influenced by age, prior biliary disease, preoperative endoscopic biliary decompression in acute cholangitis (33.3%vs 9.4%, P = 0.035) and endoscopic complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Among patients requiring emergency CBDE, uncomplicated preoperative endoscopic biliary decompression benefits patients with acute cholangitis.
Koh
Joyce S B
JS
Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Chow
Pierce K H
PK
Chung
Alexander Y F
AY
Ooi
Lucien P J
LP
Wong
Wai-Keong
WK
Fook-Chong
Stephanie
S
Soo
Khee-Chee
KC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002761:Cholangitis / Q000601:surgery*; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome