Laparoscopic endobiliary stenting: a simplified approach to the management of occult common bile duct stones.

Three years ago we described laparoscopic placement of biliary stents as an adjunct to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in 16 patients. We now present a modification of our technique and experience with 48 additional patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative fluorocholangiography (LC/IOC) performed in 372 consecutive patients during a 36-month period revealed common bile duct stones (CBDS) in 48 patients (12.9%). In this series, LCBDE was not performed and no attempt was made to clear CBDS prior to transcystic stent placement. Stent placement added 9 to 26 minutes of operative time to LC/IOC alone. Forty-four patients (92%) were discharged after surgery and four (8%) were observed overnight. Outpatient endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography 1 to 4 weeks later succeeded in clearing CBDS in all patients. All stents were retrieved without difficulty and 3- to 36-month follow-up demonstrates no surgical, endoscopic, or stent-related complications to date. Laparoscopic biliary stent placement for the treatment of CBDS is a safe, rapid, technically less challenging alternative to existing methods of LCBDE. It preserves the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for patients, and virtually assures success of postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with complete stone clearance.