BACKGROUND. Choledochotomy in patients with previous choledochotomy is technically difficult. Open surgery is usually the first choice in these patients. Laparoscopic choledochotomy seems to be feasible in expert hands.
OBJECTIVES. Evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic choledochotomy in patients with previous open choledochotomy.
PATIENTS & METHOD. This is a retrospective study of 40 patients who had previous choledochotomy and underwent laparoscopic choledochotomy from January 2005 to January 2007 at University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh city. The indication for choledochotomy is failure of common bile duct stone removal via ERCP or common bile duct stones with multiple intrahepatic stones.
RESULTS. The mean age is 62,4. Laparoscopic choledochotomy was done sucessfully in 95% patients. The mean operative time was 166 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 7.4 days. There was no death. The overall complication rate was 7,5%. There was no major complication. Residual stones were removed postoperatively via T-tube tract. Complete stone clearance rate was 85.7%
CONCLUSIONS. Laparoscopic choledochotomy is feasible, safe and effective in patients with previous open choledochotomy.
Session: Poster
Program Number: P416
