Minimally Invasive Approach for Complicated Choledocholithiasis in an Elderly Patient After Roux-Y Gastric Bypass

Gallstone disease after bariatric surgery is a common condition due to the obesity and rapid weight loss. Because of increasing obesity amongst the population, and the gastric bypass having been established as the standard treatment for morbid obesity, the occurrence of bile duct stones after this kind of surgery remains a therapeutic dilemma. We present a case of obstructed choledocholithiasis with shrinking of the gallbladder and consequent cholangitis in a 69-year-old Caucasian male patient after a laparoscopic Roux-and-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), who underwent a successful laparoscopic single-stage bile stone removal of the choledochal duct using intraoperative ultrasound and choledochoscopy. There are several techniques to manage choledocholithiasis after LRYGB. Laparoscopic choledochoscopy with concomitant cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery can be a safe procedure even for elderly patients.

Automated summary

Gallstone disease after bariatric surgery is common and challenging to treat, but laparoscopic bile stone removal is a safe and effective technique, even for elderly patients.