Background: Common bile duct (CBD) stones in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) represent a major challenge for ERCP due to long-limb anatomy. Trans-gastric approach has been proposed but entails high ERCP-related risks. Laparoscopy assisted trans-gastric rendez-vous (LATG-RV) is a one-step procedure that may lower the risks of these patients.
Methods: We describe our initial experience in four patients with past history of RYGB and CBD stones.
Results: All patients underwent LATG-RV and had successful CBD stone clearance. Postoperative course was uneventful with normal amylase levels. Average procedure time was 105 min and postoperative stay 2 days.
Conclusion: LATG-RV is a safe and effective procedure for the clearance of CBD stones in RYGB patients. It may have fewer complications and shorter operative time than regular trans-gastric ERCP.
Keywords: Choledocolithiasis; Common bile duct stones; Gastric bypass; Rendez-vous; Trans-gastric ERCP.