title: A novel algorithm for the minimal invasive treatment of choledocholithiasis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard in choledocholithiasis treatment. Currently there is no generally accepted algorithm for choledocholithiasis treatment. A few years ago suspected or diagnosed choledocholithiasis was indication for open operation if bilious stones could not be removed with therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Today, advancements in laparoscopic equipment and operation technique render the possibility for laparoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis. There are many different ways in which to treat choledocholithiasis, depending on the time of diagnosis. Due to the considerable variability in choledocholithiasis treatment, which depends in turn on many objective and subjective factors, we propose a unique diagnostic algorithm for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 1st until December 31st 2005, at the University Department of Surgery -Split, 131 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. Thirty-three patients with suspected choledocholithiasis were treated by laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiography. After positive cholangiography, thirteen laparoscopic transcystic extractions were performed. The patients were treated in the supine position. The surgeon was positioned between the legs of the patient, the assistants on opposite sides of the patient, and the scrub nurse on the right side of the surgeon. Transcystic stone extraction was performed using a flexible choledochoscope, which was connected to the left laparoscopic monitor using Picture-in-picture system and by Nitinol tipless Dormia basket.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of operated patients includes 18 women and 15 men. The mean age of patients was 60.16 +/- 15.36. The mean length of operation was 86 +/- 21.79. Mean hospitalization length of patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 2.45 +/- 1.14 days; while mean hospitalization length of patients with stone extraction was slightly longer 2.90 +/- 1.18, (p = 0.564).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Today several different possibilities approaches exist for the treatment of choledocholithiasis and it doesn't have to be treated unconditionally using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy before, during or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or by the open operation.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Surgery, Clinical Hospital and Medical School Split, Croatia. zperko@kbsplit.hr
authors.forename: Zdravko
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Perko
authors.forename: Kanito
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bilan
authors.forename: Zenon
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Pogorelić
authors.forename: Darko
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Srsen
authors.forename: Nikica
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Druzijanić
authors.forename: Damir
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kraljević
authors.forename: Josko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Juricić
authors.forename: Zeljko
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mimica
authors.forename: Tomislav
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jurisić
authors.forename: Miroslav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bekavac-Beslin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome