Laparoscopic CBD Exploration (LCBDE) a better and safe option for large CBD stones

Background: Conventionally, common bile duct stones (CBDS) are removed with help of ERCP. However, if CBDS are larger than 10 mm, then the ERCP failure rate to retrieve CBDS becomes high. In that case, open or laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is other alternative. In this era of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) seems to be a better option than open approach, but in our set up the safety of LCBDE is questioned. Aim: To see the conversion rate as well as complications associated with LCBDE. Material & Methods: Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of data of patients who underwent Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE) for large CBD stones at Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore. Results: Since 2012, 29 patients of large (≥10 mm) CBD stones were included in this study. Among them 20(69.9%) were females and 9(31.01%) were males. The mean CBD stone size was 13 mm. Stones were extracted transcystically in 4 case and Transcholedochal stone extraction was done in 25 cases. The average duration of surgery was 130 minutes, but all cases were completed successfully without converting to open approach. There was minor bile leak in 3 patients which was managed successfully without any further intervention. No other complication was observed with LCBDE and even no retained stone was reported. Conclusion: Laparoscopic CBD exploration is safe and effective method of dealing CBD stones especially of large size when the chances of ERCP failure to retrieve stones are high. Keywords: Laparoscopy, ERCP, common bile duct,