Conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: predictive factors and impact on the perioperative outcomes

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is an effective treatment for choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors associated with conversion during LCBDE and to assess the implications of conversion on the patients' postoperative course. Methods: A retrospective cohort study based on patients undergoing LCBDE between 2000 and 2018 was conducted. Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 357 patients underwent LCBDE, and the conversion rate was 14.2%. The main reasons for conversion were lithiasis extraction (21; 41%) and difficult dissection (13; 26%). Independent predictors for conversion were increasing levels of serum bilirubin prior to surgery (OR=4.745, 95% CI: 1.390-16.198; p=0.013), and emergency setting (OR=4.144, 95% CI: 1.449-11.846; p=0.008). Age was independently associated with lower odds of conversion (OR=0.979, 95% CI: 0.960-0.999; p=0.036). Conversion had a negative impact on the patients' postoperative course, including severe complication (21.6% vs. 5.2% p<0.001) and surgical reintervention (11.8% vs. 2.6% p=0.002) rates. Conclusion: Conversion to open surgery during LCBDE was associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Emergency surgery and increasing levels of serum bilirubin previous to surgery independently increase the probability of conversion; however age was independently associated with lower odds of conversion.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for conversion during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and assess its implications on patients' postoperative course. The study found that increasing levels of serum bilirubin and emergency setting were independent predictors for conversion, while age was associated with lower odds of conversion. Conversion during LCBDE was associated with increased postoperative morbidity.