Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and choledochoscopy for the treatment of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.

Abstract

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.