Laparoscopically guided percutaneous choledochoscopy: minimally invasive interdisciplinary rendezvous for selected patients

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, unexpected findings may mandate immediate intraluminal biliary visualization for safe patient management. We evaluated percutaneous cholangioscopy in two whole-body donors.

After preparation of the hilus, the sterile, single-use, 11 Fr, single-operator cholangioscope, with working channels for guidewire (or instruments) and irrigation (SpyGlass DS; Boston Scientific, Ratingen, Germany), was advanced through one of the trocars from the right lateral flank ([Fig. 1 a]). Intra-abdominal navigation toward the biliary entry site (cystic duct or choledochotomy) was achieved through a combination of trocar guidance, laparoscopic forceps, and the endoscope hand wheels ([Fig. 1 b], [Video 1]). Wire insertion from the cholangioscope into the entry site facilitated navigation. Intraoperative visualization was mimicked by access through the cystic duct toward the papilla ([Fig. 2 a]), and through the choledochotomy toward the papilla, and across the hilus to the segmental branchings ([Fig. 2 b]). In one case, a thin cystic duct did not allow entry of the cholangioscope, so choledochotomy was performed. In the other donor, although vision was blurred by postmortem-thickened bile, small stones could be flushed out of the common bile duct (CBD), indicating that cholangioscopy was able to provide basic therapy. No fluoroscopy control was needed. Choledochoscopy was available within 5 minutes from opening the biliary access site. Access sites were closed by single-button sutures (choledochotomy) or two titanium clips (cystic duct).

Fig. 1 Percutaneous choledochoscopy. a The cholangioscope was manually advanced through the trocar on the right side; the inset shows the cholangioscopic view within the trocar. b The cholangioscope was maneuvered through the inflated abdominal cavity by a combination of laparoscopic forceps guidance, endoscopic hand wheels, and wire guidance.

Video 1: Laparoscopic preparation of the hilus was performed using three working trocars and one per-umbilical camera trocar. After visualization of Calot’s triangle, two access routes were explored: the stump of the cystic duct and intrabiliary endoscopy via a small choledochotomy.

Fig. 2 Intraoperative visualization during percutaneous choledochoscopy. a Cholangioscopic view of wire-guided advancement into the distal common bile duct from a proximal entry site. b Left liver segmental ducts.

Laparoscopically guided choledochoscopy provides a fast, simple, sterile, and radiation-free method for direct intraoperative visualization of the biliary ducts. Although our data are still preliminary, this single-step, laparoscopic-endoscopic rendezvous may allow a minimally invasive, interdisciplinary strategy for selected patients. Possible indications include: 1) laparoscopic-endoscopic CBD stone clearance after failed endoscopic removal or intraoperatively identified CBD stones [1] [2]; 2) laparoscopic CBD closure without T-tube after ensuring CBD integrity endoscopically via the cystic duct and, if necessary, simultaneous sphincterotomy [3] [4] [5]; and 3) management of unexpected Mirizzi syndrome with stone penetration.

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Competing interests

The cholangioscopes (SpyGlass DS) were provided by Boston-Scientific, Ratingen, Germany. Dr. Goetz is a consultant for Boston Scientific.

• References

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