Relaparoscopic common bile duct exploration for management of choledocholithiasis

Objective To investigate the efficacy of relaparoscopic common bile duct exploration in choledocholithiasis.Methods 50 patients who underwent LC/OC/LCBDE/OCBDE for biliary surgery with choledocholithiasis were randomized into two groups:Group A (n ＝25) laparoscopic approach and Group B (n =25) open approach.The operation time,hospital stay,cost of hospitalization and postoperative complications were compared.Results There was no significant difference in the operation time,liver functional index,postoperative bile leakage rate and cost of hospitalization between the two groups.The postoperative hospital stay in group A was shorter than that in group B (7.1 ± 1.5 vs 12.4 ±4.3 days,P ＜0.05),as was the volume of intraoperative blood loss (58.3 ± 24.2 ml vs 108.6 ± 35.7 ml,P ＜ 0.05),recovery of gastrointestinal function (26.3 ±3.6 vs 58.2 ±6.3 hours,P ＜0.05),postoperative analgesia (7/25 vs 17/25,P＜0.05) and wound infection rate (1/25 vs 6/25,P＜0.05).Conclusions Relaparoscopic commonbile duct exploration for recurrent choledocholithiasis appeared to be a safe,feasible,and efficacious procedure when carried out by expert laparoscopic surgeons.The procedure is worth promoting. Key words: Laparoscopy operation;  Open operation;  Reoperation on biliary tract;  Choledocholithiasis