OBJECTIVE: To avoid the pitfalls of choledochotomy with T-tube drainage in the treatment of choledocholith.
METHODS: A novel operation was designed as cholecysto-choledochostomy plus construction of subcutaneous cholecystic tunnel. After the common bile duct was cut open and stones were removed, the gallbladder was appropriately dissociated and the cholecystic ampulla was incised. Then, the incision of the cholecystic ampulla was anastomosed to the opened common bile duct, and the cholecystic fundus was fixed out of the abdominal muscular stratum.
RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with choledocholith underwent this operation successfully and recovered well without postoperative complications. One of them was diagnosed as having recurrent stones in 2 years and 3 months after operation. Consequently, the subcutaneous cholecystic tunnel was opened under local anesthesia to remove successfully the stones with choledochoscope.
CONCLUSION: This operation provides a convenient way to remove postoperative recurrent stones with choledochoscope and avoid receliotomy.