A proposed difficulty grading system for laparoscopic bile duct exploration: benefits to clinical practice, training and research.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A gap remains between the mounting evidence for single session management of bile duct stones and the adoption of this approach. Laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) is limited by the scarcity of training opportunities and adequate equipment and by the perception that the technique requires a high skill-set. The aim of this study was to create a new classification of difficulty based on operative characteristics and to stratify postoperative outcomes of easy vs. difficult LBDE irrespective of the surgeon's experience.

Methods

A cohort of 1335 LBDEs was classified according to the location, number and size of ductal stones, the retrieval technique, utilisation of choledochoscopy and specific biliary pathologies encountered. A combination of features indicated

SUBMITTER: Nassar AHM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10462500 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature