Laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for complex bile duct stones.

Background: We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for removing intra-and extrahepatic bile duct stones. Methods: A total of 26 patients with intra-and extrahepatic bile duct stones underwent LH and EPBD. Selective hemi-hepatic vascular occlusion was used to complete the LH. EPBD was performed under the guidance of a guidewire, and stones were removed with a stone basket or balloon. Results: A one-stage LH with EPBD lithotomy was successfully performed in 26 cases. No residual bile duct stones, intestinal or bile duct perforations were found. In addition, no severe post-operative bleeding, severe pancreatitis or mortality occurred. Post-operative hyperamylasemia was observed in five cases and bile leakage in one case. Post-operative hospital stays lasted 7-11 days. Conclusion: LH combined with EPBD applied to intra-and extrahepatic bile duct stones was feasible, effective and safe, resulting in rapid recovery and few post-operative complications.