Laparoscopic bile duct reexploration for retained duct stones

Background Failure of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for retained bile duct stones occurs in 4% to 10% of cases and was traditionally managed with open bile duct reexploration. Methods This study uses retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of cases of laparoscopic bile duct reexploration for retained bile duct stones after unsuccessful ES. Results Thirty-one cases were operated over a 7-year period. Seventy percent had a previous open cholecystectomy. Ten cases were successfully treated with a transcystic approach and 19 with laparoscopic choledochotomy. Two patients were converted to open surgery. Morbidity was 3.22% with no mortality. Conclusion Laparoscopic bile duct reexploration can be safely performed and should be considered as an alternative to open surgery.