Background: Unsuspected common bile duct stones (CBDS) are found in 4-5 % of patients with cholelithiasis. The optimal strategy for the treatment of asymptomatic CBDS, diagnosed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is not yet well established. A one-stage solution is preferable to solve the CBDS during the LC and to avoid the exposure of patients to the risks of a second procedure, such as complications or failure.
Methods: We attempted to remove CBDS by transcystic sphincter of Oddi pneumatic balloon dilation and common bile duct pressure-washing in all cases of intraoperative identification of CBDS since September 2008.
Results: In 29 cases, unsuspected CBDS was identified by intraoperative cholangiography; in 28 cases a single stone with a mean diameter of 4.3 mm (range = 3-6) was detected and in one case three 5-8-mm-diameter stones were identified. Clearance of the common bile duct was obtained in 27 cases (96 %), with a mean operative time of 54 min (range = 36-90) and mean length of hospital stay of 2.5 days.
Conclusion: Treatment of unsuspected CBDS detected by intraoperative cholangiography during LC with this original technique was safe and effective and a viable alternative of the transcystic endoscopic approach.