Is laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation feasible and safe?

Prior biliary tract surgery was previously considered a contraindication for laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation. However, it is now widely performed in patients with or without prior operations due to laparoscopic experience. Few studies have evaluated its safety and feasibility in patients with choledocholithiasis for whom endoscopic sphincterotomy has failed or is contraindicated.

A case report published on May 21, 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology describes laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation in a patient with choledocholithiasis for whom endoscopic sphincterotomy has failed or is contraindicated. The research team led by Professor Li from Sir Run Run Shaw of Zhejiang University examined the open conversion rate, operative time, complications, and hospital stay of 39 patients after laparoscopic reoperation. The results indicate that laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation appears safe and feasible when it is performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, and is an alternative choice of treatment for patients with choledocholithiasis for whom endoscopic sphincterectomy has failed or is contraindicated.