Laparoscopic antegrade biliary stenting.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is successful in 90% of patients, but 10% of patients may have retained stones or impaired biliary drainage at the end of surgery. This study presents the results of laparoscopic biliary stenting in three such patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three patients with choledocholithiasis, aged 51, 82, and 100 were treated by laparoscopic antegrade placement of biliary stent.

RESULTS

Biliary drainage was established in all three cases. Follow-up at six months revealed all patients to be asymptomatic, with two aged 82 and 101 with the stents still in place.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic antegrade biliary stenting deserves consideration when the surgeon encounters impaired biliary drainage after laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct.