Why
perform a Common Bile Duct Exploration?
The common bile duct is a tube that connects the liver,
gallbladder, and pancreas to the small intestine and helps
to deliver fluids that aid digestion. A cholangiogram
is an x-ray that determines if a stone is blocking the
flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestines.
A common bile duct exploration is indicated if a stone
is blocking the common bile duct. One of the complications
of common bile duct blockage is jaundice, a condition
that results in a yellow color of the skin and whites
of the eyes. If a stone in the common bile duct is not
removed, the duct may become infected, resulting in emergency
surgery. Common bile duct exploration is often done during
surgery to remove the gallbladder.
How is Laparoscopic Common
Bile Duct Exploration performed?
Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument
called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small
incision in the flank (the fleshy part of the side between
the ribs and hip). The laparoscope is connected to a tiny
video camera – smaller than a dime – which projects a
view of the operative site onto video monitors located
in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon
dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of
the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions
are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon
inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon
uses these instruments to explore the common bile duct
and adjacent structures. Once the stones are located,
a flexible endoscope is used to retrieve them. A temporary
tube, called a T-tube, may be in place after the operation
to drain excess bile. Following the procedure, the small
incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical
tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.
Why Laparoscopic?
___Three or four tiny
scars instead of one large abdominal scar
___Shorter hospital stay
– you may leave the same day or the day after surgery
__ Reduced
postoperative pain
___Shorter recovery times
– days instead of weeks – and quicker return to daily
activities, _____including
work
What can I expect after surgery?
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after
surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few
days, you may need to take it easy for two to four weeks.
To make
an appointment with Dr. Rosser, please call 212-420-4337.