Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and choledochoscopy for the treatment of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis
Smith, P.C.; Clayman, R.V.; Soper, N.J.
Surgery 111(2): 230-233
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6060 PMID: 1531273 Document Number: 388979
A 33-year-old woman with symptomatic cholelithiasis underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative evaluation did not suggest the presence of choledocholithiasis, but intraoperative cholangiography showed a totally obstructing stone in the distal common bile duct. Laparoscopically directed, transperitoneal choledochoscopy was performed by passing a 9.4 F flexible ureteroscope through the cystic duct into the distal common bile duct. A single calculus was visualized and removed with a basket. The patient was discharged the next day, returned to full activity within 1 week, and has done well in the subsequent postoperative interval. The management of incidentally discovered common bile duct stones during performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is discussed.