title: Cost-effective method for laparoscopic choledochotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent reports have noted that postoperative complications following open or laparoscopic choledochotomy for common bile duct (CBD) exploration are mainly related to the T-tube presence, and that there has been no trend of decrease in the laparoscopic era. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement with primary closure of the CBD has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative to T-tube placement.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 1999 and January 2003, 53 consecutive patients suffering from proven choledocholithiasis underwent laparoscopic common bile exploration (LCBDE) via choledochotomy. In the early period, a T-tube was placed at the end of the procedure (group A, n = 32) while, from June 2001 onwards, laparoscopic biliary stent placement and primary CBD closure were chosen as the drainage method (group B, n = 21).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six patients developed T-tube-related complications postoperatively. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant lower morbidity rate and shorter postoperative hospital stay for the stent group. Although not statistically significant, a median saving of 780 UK pounds per patient was observed in the stent group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biliary endoprosthesis placement following laparoscopic choledochotomy avoids the well-known complications of a T-tube, leading to a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The method is safe and effective and it should also be considered as cost-effective compared to T-tube placement. Further studies are required in order to document cost-effectiveness of the method.
authors.affiliation: Upper GI and Laparoscopic Unit, Ealing Hospital, Southall Middlesex, London, UK. Johngrin@hotmail.com
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Griniatsos
authors.forename: Evangelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karvounis
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arbuckle
authors.forename: Alberto-Martinez
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Isla
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000191:economics*; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents / Q000191:economics*