Comparison of quality of life between two biliary drainage procedures in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: With various kinds of minimal access surgery being introduced, quality of life must be considered as a measure of whether minimal access surgery is good or not. We evaluate the difference in quality of life using two kinds of biliary drainage procedures in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

METHODOLOGY

Forty cases of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with cholecystectomy were studied to compare gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) preoperatively and postoperatively at two, five and sixteen weeks in two groups using different biliary drainage procedures.

RESULTS

There was no preoperative GIQLI difference between the two groups. Cases with biliary drainage through the cystic duct achieved earlier recovery. GIQLI of all cases reached normal sixteen weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary drainage through the cystic duct in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration may help to improve the postoperative GIQLI in patients.