Context
Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration has become an increasingly popular procedure with favorable outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons. This study shows our institution’s experience using a disposable bronchoscope for choledochoscopy and CBD clearance in cases of choledocholithiasis.
Aims
To evaluate the possibility, practicability and efficacy to use the disposable bronchoscope in laparoscopic CBD exploration.
Patients and methods
A total of 50 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis underwent laparoscopic transcholedochal CBD exploration performed with choledochoscopy using an Ambu aScope 3 disposable bronchoscope.
Statistical analysis used
Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).Qualitative data were described using number and percent. Quantitative data were described using range (minimum and maximum), mean, standard deviation, and median.
Results
Successful biliary clearance was achieved laparoscopically in 45 patients. Conversion to open surgery was deemed mandatory in four patients owing to difficult biliary anatomy or distal impacted stones, whereas one patient required laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy. None of the converted cases were attributed to equipment failure, and no cases of equipment-related postoperative complications occurred.
Conclusions
The Ambu aScope 3 is a feasible, easy to use, portable, and disposable bronchoscope that can be safely implemented in surgical biliary visualization.