Thirteen years' experience with laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration for stones. Effectiveness and long-term results

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (TC-CBDE). Methods Ductal stones were present in 344 of 3212 patients (10.7%) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The procedure was completed laparoscopically in 329 patients (95.6%), with TC-CBDE performed in 191 patients (58.1%) who are the object of this study, or with a transverse choledochotomy in 138 cases (41.9%). Results Biliary drainage was employed in 71 of 191 cases (37.2%). Major complications occurred in 10 patients (5.1%), including retained stones in 6 (3.1%). Mortality was nil. No patients were lost to follow-up (median: 118.0 months; range: 17.6–168 months). No signs of bile stasis, no recurrent ductal stones and no biliary stricture were observed. At present 182 patients are alive with no biliary symptoms; 9 have died from unrelated causes. Conclusions Long-term follow-up after laparoscopic TC-CBDE proved its effectiveness and safety for single-stage management of gallstones and common bile duct stones.