Transcystic Approach with Micro-incision of the Cystic Duct and Its Confluence Part in Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration

Background: Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration has become a safe and ideal treatment of common bile duct stones. This study was designed to explore the clinical value of modified laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration as a first line of treatment for patients with common bile duct stones. Patients and Methods: A retrospective, case-control study of clinically comparable groups of patients who underwent the laparoscopic transcystic approach with micro-incision of the cystic duct and its confluence part in common bile duct exploration (LTM-CBD) (n = 110) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBD) (n = 100) under the care of one surgeon was performed. All clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of operation time between the two groups (P >.05). Postoperative hospital stay and abdominal drainage time were shorter in the LTM-CBD group than in the LCBD group (P <.05). Postoperative bile leakage was seen in 1 case (1 of 110) in the LTM-CBD group and 10 cases (10 of 100) in the LCBD group (P <.05). Twenty patients underwent T-tube drainage in the LCBD group, and primary closure was performed in the other patients; however, all cases in the LTM-CBD group underwent primary closure. The median follow-up was 12 months; 2 patients in the LCBD group who suffered from bile leakage presented with obstructive jaundice due to bile duct stenosis 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions: LTM-CBD, which can avoid postoperative T-tube drainage, decrease complications, shorten hospitalization time, and enhance the existing quality, is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment.