Exploring Barriers to Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Pediatric Surgery: An International Survey of Practice Patterns and Attitudes

In brief

This international survey examines why laparoscopic common bile duct exploration remains underused in pediatric surgery despite evidence it can reduce ERCP procedures and shorten hospital stays. The study identifies practice patterns and barriers preventing wider adoption of this minimally invasive technique for managing pediatric bile duct stones.

• - LCBDE is underutilized in pediatric surgery despite evidence it can reduce need for ERCP and shorten hospital stays. - International survey reveals significant practice variation in pediatric LCBDE adoption across institutions. - Identifying barriers to LCBDE implementation may help increase its use and improve outcomes for pediatric choledocholithiasis. - Pediatric surgeons' attitudes and institutional factors influence whether LCBDE is offered as alternative to ERCP.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.