Long-term results after laparoscopic transverse choledochotomy for common bile duct stones.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of laparoscopic transverse choledochotomy (TC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).


METHODS
Ductal stones were present in 344 of 3,212 patients (10.7%) who underwent LC. The procedure was completed laparoscopically in 329 cases (95.6%), with a TC in 138 cases (41.9%) (the subjects of this study), and with a transcystic duct approach in 191 cases (58.1%).


RESULTS
Biliary drainage was used in 131 of 138 cases (94.9%). There were major complications in eight patients (5.7%), and one patient died (0.7%). Retained stones were seen in 11 cases (8%). None of the patients was lost to follow-up (mean, 72.3 months; range, 11-145). Ductal stones recurred in five patients (3.6%). No signs of bile stasis and no biliary strictures were observed. In all, 121 patients are alive with no biliary symptoms; 16 have died from unrelated causes.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term follow-up after laparoscopic TC during LC proved its safety and efficacy.
Paganini
A M
AM
Department of General Surgery, University of Ancona, Umberto I Hospital, 60020, Via Conca, Ancona, Italy. alessandro_paganini1@virgilio.it <alessandro_paganini1@virgilio.it>
Guerrieri
M
M
Sarnari
J
J
De Sanctis
A
A
D'Ambrosio
G
G
Lezoche
G
G
Lezoche
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D015529:Choledochal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D002768:Choledochostomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004322:Drainage; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005763:Gastroenterostomy; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome