J Bingener1, W H Schwesinger. 1. Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. bingenercas@uthscsa.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has been reported to be highly successful and cost-effective. It remains unknown to what extent the procedure is used in routine surgical practice. METHODS: We conducted a survey of general surgeons practicing in a rural area of the United States. The type of practice, laparoscopic training, performance of cholangiography, and preferred approach to choledocholithiasis were elicited. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 207 surveys (33%) were returned. Thirty respondents (45%) indicated that they perform laparoscopic common bile duct explorations. The likelihood of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration increased with a higher number of cholecystectomies per year (p < 0.05, chi-square) but was independent of training or routine cholangiography. The preferred approach to a patient with choledocholithiasis was endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (75%), followed by laparoscopic (21%) and open exploration (4%). Reasons for not performing laparoscopic exploration were time (58%), equipment (24%), good gastrointestinal backup (6%), reimbursement (3%), increased morbidity (1.5%), lack of skill (1.5%), and other/no reason (18%). CONCLUSION: Although 45% of practicing surgeons indicated that they perform laparoscopic common bile duct explorations, only 21% practiced it as their preferred approach. Time constraints and lack of equipment are the main factors preventing the application of the laparoscopic technique toward choledocholithiasis.
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has been reported to be highly successful and cost-effective. It remains unknown to what extent the procedure is used in routine surgical practice. METHODS: We conducted a survey of general surgeons practicing in a rural area of the United States. The type of practice, laparoscopic training, performance of cholangiography, and preferred approach to choledocholithiasis were elicited. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 207 surveys (33%) were returned. Thirty respondents (45%) indicated that they perform laparoscopic common bile duct explorations. The likelihood of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration increased with a higher number of cholecystectomies per year (p < 0.05, chi-square) but was independent of training or routine cholangiography. The preferred approach to a patient with choledocholithiasis was endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (75%), followed by laparoscopic (21%) and open exploration (4%). Reasons for not performing laparoscopic exploration were time (58%), equipment (24%), good gastrointestinal backup (6%), reimbursement (3%), increased morbidity (1.5%), lack of skill (1.5%), and other/no reason (18%). CONCLUSION: Although 45% of practicing surgeons indicated that they perform laparoscopic common bile duct explorations, only 21% practiced it as their preferred approach. Time constraints and lack of equipment are the main factors preventing the application of the laparoscopic technique toward choledocholithiasis.
Authors: A Cuschieri; E Lezoche; M Morino; E Croce; A Lacy; J Toouli; A Faggioni; V M Ribeiro; J Jakimowicz; J Visa; G B Hanna Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 1999-10 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: Rebeccah B Baucom; Irene D Feurer; Julia S Shelton; Kristy Kummerow; Michael D Holzman; Benjamin K Poulose Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2015-06-20 Impact factor: 4.584