Treatment of choledocholithiasis by ERCP, and instrumentation through a T-tube

Abstract

The treatment of choledocholithiasis has evolved significantly since Robert Abbé performed the first bile duct exploration via choledochotomy in New York in 1889. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which was initially used for diagnosis, is now only valid as a therapeutic tool. Currently, the main diagnostic methods are magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The treatment of choledocholithiasis moved from the open surgery in which biliary stenting was rou-tinely performed on a Kehr tube or T-tube, to the endoscopic technique using ERCP, sphincteroplasty and instrumentation with balloons and baskets. Additional techniques are now available such as mechanical or extra-corporeal lithotripsy, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation and SpyGlass cholangioscopy. The laparoscopic technique has been used for several years in different parts of the world for the treatment of choledocholithiasis. Recent studies even propose performing the primary closure of the bile duct or chole-dochoduodenostomy, so that the T-tube is not necessary. However, in many other places, and for a variety of reasons, open exploratory surgery and the T-tube continue to be used, being an important option in the treatment of some patients. Case presentation: 88-year-old male patient with recurrent choledocholithiasis and a giant gallstone that was difficult to treat endoscopically, with sepsis of biliary origin, which required open surgical drainage at the emergency room. Choledocotomy was performed, and a T-tube was inserted at the site. Subsequently, a successful joint treatment was performed by the General Surgery Service and the Gastroenterology Service, using T-tube instrumentation and ERCP, respectively.