ThP3.14 - Four-Year Experience of Laparoscopic Transcystic common bile duct exploration at a District Hospital Free

This study aims to assess the outcomes of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE) as a single-stage procedure for symptomatic choledocholithiasis.

In this retrospective analysis we included 87 patients with high suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones, imaging proven choledocholithiasis or failed Endoscopic Retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). These patients underwent either LCBDE or CBD exploration under fluoroscopy between 2019 and 2023.

Among the 87 patients selected for a single stage procedure, 59 underwent Laparoscopic transcystic CBDE. Successful CBDE was achieved in 40 cases (68%), with four patients after failed ERCP. In one case on table ERCP with rendez-vous technique was used to complete CBD clearance. Two of them needed complementary post operative ERCP to remove impacted stones. Most cases with unsuccessful CBDE, 19 in total (32%), was due to difficult cannulation of a narrow cystic duct. Three were managed with on table ERCP and five had post-operative ERCP. Six patients (7%) experienced unplanned readmissions, three with retained stones post-successful stone clearance and two after clear on table cholangiogram, who were managed with ERCP. Bile leak occurred in two cases and it was self-limited within 14 days. The mean hospital length of stay (LOS) was 5,3 days with a median LOS of 4 days.

Transcystic LCBDE, when surgical expertise and experience are available, is an effective and safe procedure for treating choledocholithiasis, providing comprehensive CBD clearance while avoiding the risks associated with ERCP.