RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Despite numerous reports showing the advantages of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), many general surgeons, particularly those working outside of nonspecialist units, continue to rely heavily on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with sphincterotomy (ERCP) to manage bile duct stones (BDS). This article investigates the performance of LCBDE when adopted as the preferred first-line management of both suspected and incidental BDS by general surgeons in a regional setting. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients in whom LCBDE was attempted by a regional general surgical unit. The unit policy was to preferentially treat all incidental and suspected BDS (except in ascending cholangitis or severe pancreatitis) by LCBDE, with ERCP used only if unsuccessful. In addition to chart review, formal prospective follow up by telephone interview was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 160 consecutive patients with BDS (mean age 66.9 years, 65% suspected and 35% incidental) underwent attempted LCBDE between January 2000 and July 2005. Successful clearance was achieved in 84.3% according to chart review. However, four additional cases of retained choledocholithiasis shown by late telephone interview (median interval 2.5 years) yielded a more accurate clearance rate of 81.8%. Major morbidity occurred in 13.8%, including biliary leak in 7.5% and one late biliary stricture (0.6%). Median length of hospital stay was 4.8 days. In-hospital mortality was 0.6%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration remains an effective, efficient and safe first-line treatment of BDS even when carried out in regional nonspecialist units. In spite of the wide availability of ERCP, general surgeons should be encouraged to continue performing LCBDE in order to optimise patient care and maintain important surgical skills.