Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy for benign biliary disease.

Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy (RYCJ) is frequently used for biliary bypass surgery. However, reports on laparoscopic RYCJ are scarce. Between February 1997 and February 2002, laparoscopic RYCJ was performed in 6 patients with a recurrent common bile duct (CBD) stone or a benign biliary stricture. The first procedure involved the laparoscopic preparation of the CBD. The Roux limb prepared with an endo-GIA was brought up near the proximal CBD. An end-to-side choledochojejunostomy was then performed using an intracorporeal suture. Jejunojejunostomy was performed using an endo-GIA. The mean operating time was 358.3 minutes. A postoperative complication occurred in 1 patient who had an episode of melena, which resolved spontaneously. All patients were free of symptoms during the follow-up period (27.5 months). Laparoscopic RYCJ may be a useful option, especially in the treatment of benign biliary disease.