Coledocoscopía en Litiasis Coledociana y Cierre Primario del Colédoco

Abstract

Bile duct exploration is a mandatory resource under presumption or diagnosis of choledocholithiasis; in this case choledochoscopy represents an invaluable aid. This study shows our experience in the use of choledochoscopy. Forty-two patients were analyzed during a four-year period. Surgical procedures were open or laparoscopic, presence of calculi was visualized by choledochoscopy. An effi cacy of 100% was obtained in detection of bile duct stones safely avoiding “forgotten” calculi, entirely decreasing residual lithiasis. Choledochoscopy shows to be indispensable equipment in choledocholithiasis detection, with acceptable costs, without using radiation, with a short learning curve, being sensitive and specifi c, with therapeutic potential when using its working channel. This instrument shows its usefulness both if you want to start laparoscopic exploration of the bile duct as well as the routine practice of primary closure of the common bile duct.