O-BN06 A Proposed Difficulty Grading System for Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration. Benefits to Practice and Research

Background A gap remains between the mounting evidence for single session management of bile duct stones and the obstacles to wider adoption of this approach. The practice of laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is limited not only by the availability of training opportunities and adequate equipment but also by the perception that the technique is difficult and requires a high skill-set. The aim of this analysis is to compare the preoperative and operative characteristics and the postoperative outcomes in easy vs. difficult LCBDE in a large consecutive series, according to a proposed 5 grade classification. Methods 1326 LCBDEs were graded according to the location, number and size of ductal stones, retrieval techniques used, utilisation of choledochoscopy and specific biliary pathologies encountered. The cohort was divided into two groups: easy (Grades I A&B, and Grade II A&B, requiring transcystic or transductal exploration for up to 15 stones the largest being 15mm) and difficult (Grades III A&B, for over 15 stones or intrahepatic stones of any size needing transcystic choledochoscopy, IV and V with Mirizzi Syndrome, impacted stones, and ducts needing stenting, conversion or bilioenteric anastomosis). Various outcome parameters were compared. Results Age, sex, obesity and previous biliary admissions had no effect on operative difficulty. Emergency admission, obstructive jaundice, previous ERCP and dilated CBD were predictive of difficult explorations. 78.3% of patients with acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis, 37 % of jaundice and 46% of cholangitis had easy explorations. Transcystic stone retrieval was possible in 77.7% of easy explorations and choledochotomy required in 62.3% of difficult explorations (vs. 33.6% in the whole series). Choledochoscopy was utilised in 23.4% of Grades I&II vs. 98% in difficult explorations. As expected more biliary drains, stenting, bilio-enteric anastomosis, conversions, operative time, biliary-related complications, hospital stay, readmissions and retained stones increased with difficulty. Grades I&II patients had 2 or more hospital episodes in 26.5% vs. 41.2% for grades III to V, the median presentation to resolution interval increasing from 1 to 3 weeks. There were 2 deaths in difficulty Grade V and one in Grade IIB. Conclusions Difficulty grading of LCBDE is a useful tool of predicting outcomes. It facilitates comparison between studies and fair assessment of training. LCBDEs are easy in 72% and of these 77% can be completed transcystically. It is hoped this will encourage more units to adopt single session management of bile duct stones through establishing referral protocols, developing and refining the skills through training and acquiring the necessary equipment.

AN ACCOUNT OF 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF LAPAROSCOPIC COMMON BILE DUCT EXPLORATION IN CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS FOLLOWED BY PRIMARY REPAIR AND ITS COMPARISON WITH OPEN CHOLEDOCHOLITHOTOMY IN DISHARI HEALTH POINT PRIVATE LIMITED, MALDA

A retrospective study of 4628 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomies with choledocholithotomy with primary repair of common bile duct , with a mean follow-up of 23.2 months is carried outto evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic choledocholithotomy via choledochotomy for the treatment of choledocholithiasis in Dishari Health Point Private Limited, a multispeciality hospital in Malda from January 2004 to January 2019. We had to convert to open surgery in 27 patients and could complete the operation laparoscopically in rest 4621 patients. We also did open surgery in 30 patients apart from this. We analyse the results and it was found that Laparoscopic bile duct exploration via choledochotomy followed by primary duct closure is feasible and safe for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

Migration of Hem-o-lok clip into the common hepatic duct after laparoscopic bile duct exploration: A case report

Hem-o-lok clips are widely used in laparoscopic surgery. Hem-o-lok clips migration into the bile duct can lead to stone formation and granulation tissue hyperplasia. This report discusses a case wherein four clips migrated into the bile duct after laparoscopic bile duct exploration. The patient successfully underwent laparoscopy and choledocholithotomy.