title: A randomized trial comparing the use of endobiliary stent and T-tube for biliary decompression after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the use of a biliary stent with T-tube for biliary decompression after laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between September 2004 and March 2008, 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic CBD exploration for CBD stones were randomized to choledochotomy closure over either a biliary stent or a T-tube after CBD clearance. Patients at high risk for surgery and unremitting cholangitis requiring preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage were excluded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 29 and 31 patients in the T-tube and stenting groups, respectively. The 2 groups were comparable with respect to their demographic profile and disease characteristics. Patients in the stent group had a significantly shorter operative time and postoperative stay with an earlier return to normal activity (P<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Choledochotomy closure over a stent results in a shorter postoperative stay and an earlier return to normal activity compared with closure over a T-tube without any increase in morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. mangla.vivek@gmail.com
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mangla
authors.forename: Jagdish
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chander
authors.forename: Anubhav
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vindal
authors.forename: Pawanindra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lal
authors.forename: Vinod K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Ramteke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome