The incidence, technical management and outcomes of impacted stones encountered during 1447 laparoscopic bile duct explorations

Background: Stone impaction is an obstacle to successful laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). This study aims to identify the incidence, operative difficulties and techniques used to disimpact and remove impacted stones during LCBDE.

Methods: Prospectively collected data from a large series of LCBDE. Preoperative and operative findings in patients with impacted stones including the difficulty grading, impaction site, disimpaction methods, operative complications and postoperative outcomes were analysed.

Results: 136 of 1447 (9.4%) LCBDEs had impacted stones; 63.2% females, median age 54 years. 88.2% were emergencies including 94 Jaundice (69.1%), 19 acute pains, 6 acute cholecystitis and 5 pancreatitis. 16.9% had previous ERCP, all at other units pre-referral. LCBDE was transcystic in 52 (38.2%) and via choledochotomy in 84 (61.8%), all requiring choledochoscopy. LCBDE was difficulty grade IV in 60 (44.1%) and grade V in 76 (55.9%). The number of stones ranged from 1 to 70 (median 2) and stone size 4-30 mm (median 11). Impaction was at lower CBD in 83 (61%), Mid-CBD 29 (21.3%), Intra-hepatic 15 (11%), intra and extra hepatic in 6 (4.4%) and intramural in 3. Disimpaction was by biopsy forceps fragmentation in 37 patients (27.2%), basket dislodgment in 35 (25.7%), biopsy forceps plus basket/hook retractor or cholecochoscope push in 20 (14.7%), Fogarty/Foley balloon with or without basket in 15 (11%), laser in 12 (8.8%), grasper fragmentation in 9 patients (6.6%), and open conversion in 7 (5.1%); 3 stone removal, 2 choledochoduodenostomy and 2 hepaticojejunostomy. Stones left for postoperative ERCP in four patients (2.8%). The median operative time was 160 min.

Conclusions: Impacted stones increase the difficulty of LCBDE. The evolution of techniques and instruments over the course of this study increased the success of transcystic exploration and reduced reliance on choledochotomy. The prediction of impaction, availability of lithotripsy and increasing experience should improve postoperative outcomes.