Laparoscopic Common Duct Exploration in 90-Bed Rural Hospital

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is an effective procedure when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not available. From January 2004 until December 2009, 1254 patients presented with biliary tract disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 1240 (98%) cases and completed in 1232 (98%) cases. Laparoscopic cholangiograms were performed in 627 (50%) cases. LCBDE was carried out in 33 (2.6%) cases. Of the 33 LCBDEs, 29 (2.3%) were via the cystic duct, four (0.32%) through a choledochotomy; eight (0.64%) of the total laparoscopic cholecystectomies were converted to open cholecystectomies. LCBDE can be done safely in small hospitals and is very useful when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not available.