title: Laparoscopic transcystic laser lithotripsy for common bile duct stone clearance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct (CBD) exploration is a safe single-stage procedure for CBD stone clearance. The aim of this report was to describe our experience of transcystic laser lithotripsy in patients with complex CBD stones.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from consecutive patients treated with transcystic holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was collected and analyzed concerning age, sex, number of stones, duct clearance, conversions, operation time, complications, and hospital stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Duct clearance was achieved in all (n=8) patients as a single-stage procedure, although 1 had to be converted to open surgery. Median operation time was 225 minutes and hospital stay was 2 days. There was no postoperative morbidity or mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic transcystic use of holmium:YAG laser for complex CBD stones seems safe and efficient even though operation time is long. The technique has the potential of completing the treatment armamentarium for transcystic laparoscopic clearance of difficult CBD stones.
authors: Department of Surgery, Skane University Hospital Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Sweden.
authors: Ulf
authors: U
authors: Petersson
authors: Dorthe
authors: D
authors: Johansen
authors: Agneta
authors: A
authors: Montgomery
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003135:Common Bile Duct; D061887:Conversion to Open Surgery; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007902:Length of Stay; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
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