Modified Laparoscopic Transcystic Biliary Drainage in the Management of Cholecystocholedocholithiasis

The modified laparoscopic transcystic biliary drainage which we developed in the treatment of cholecystocholedocholithiasis has some advantages over conventional techniques.

Here, a 7-Fr triple-lumen 30-cm central venous catheter was adopted (Arrow International Inc., Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) to replace conventional 5-Fr ureteral catheter, which extended the function of the C-tube.

Then we developed a continued suture and circling manner by the V-Loc closure device (Covidien V-Loc 180 3-0®, Mansfield, MA, US), which simultaneously covered and anchored the C-tube.

Furthermore, the catheter was introduced through the abdominal wall located at 3 cm below the costal margin on the midaxillary line/the posterior axillary line, which was traditionally performed at the point below the midclavicular line on the right side. Our modified path could avoid the compression of the C-tube by hepatic margin and hence decrease the dislocation of the C-tube. In addition, the retroperitoneal path may increase adherence development and sinus-tract formation.

More importantly, this path could easily be available when the patient be placed in the prone position for ERCP, which can conveniently facilitate the guidewire passed through the C-tube down to the duodenum to perform postoperative rendezvous technique.

Theoretically, this modified laparoscopic transcystic drainage not only provide safe and effective bile duct drainage, but also provide a convenient access of treatment for postoperatively retained bile duct stones, which may expand the indication of initially laparoscopic operation in the management of cholecysto-choledocholithiasis.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients ≥ 18 years of age;
• Patients with gallbladder stones and known or expected concomitant bile duct stones;
• Informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Biliary drainage is already present, e.g. preoperative ENBD, PTCD;
• Women who are pregnant;
• Declined consent;
• Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems and psychological disorders of the participant;
• Morbid obesity (BMI > 40);
• IV-VI class of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification;
• Contraindications for general anesthesia or surgery.