Multi-Institutional Analysis of Choledocholithiasis in Pediatric vs Adult Patients
Dantes et al. performed a multi-center retrospective review of pediatric and adult patients treated for choledocholithiasis between 2018 and 2024
724 patients were included in the study
Surgery first approach with upfront laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram was performed in 201 pediatric patients and 169 adult patients
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was attempted in 84 children and 140 adults in the surgery first group
Common bile duct exploration success was higher in pediatric than adult patients
Complication rates were similar between pediatric and adult patients in the surgery first approach
A surgery first approach can be a safe and effective tool for managing choledocholithiasis in pediatric patients
Expert opinionAlex Halpern0:49
Transcystic Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Pediatric Patients with Choledocholithiasis
The study was a multi-center retrospective study conducted in the US from 2018 to 2022
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:09
The study aim was to compare patients with suspected choledocholithiasis who underwent transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration versus those who underwent ERCP first
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:09
The study included 252 patients total
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:28
156 patients were in group one (transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration)
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:28
96 patients were in group two (ERCP first)
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:38
Patients in group one (transcystic laparoscopic approach) had significantly less complication rates compared to group two
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:38
Patients in group one (transcystic laparoscopic approach) had lower length of stay compared to group two
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:38
Attempting a transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration may benefit pediatric patients with choledocholithiasis
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing a resource — not the host's own clinical position0:52
Choledocholithiasis with Drs. David Vitale & Lucas Neff
Choledocholithiasis stones may be made up of bile pigments or calcium and cholesterol salts.
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position0:43
Risk factors for choledocholithiasis include metabolic diseases, hemolysis such as sickle cell, and congenital biliary anomalies like choledochal cysts.
Choledocholithiasis is more common in older children, children with higher BMI, and patients of Hispanic ethnicity.
According to ASGE guidelines, patients with high probability of common bile duct stones (common bile duct stones seen on ultrasound, ascending cholangitis, or quite high bilirubin) should go straight to ERCP.
Host summaryDavid Vitale summarizes what Dr. Luke Neff said — not the host's own clinical position1:52
Patients with intermediate risk (abnormal liver biochemical tests or dilated common bile ducts) can undergo endoscopic ultrasound, MRCP, laparoscopic cholangiogram, or intraoperative ultrasound.
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position2:11
In pediatric literature, direct (conjugated) bilirubin more than 2 mg/dL was the most predictive factor for common bile duct stones.
Host summaryDavid Vitale summarizes what Dr. Luke Neff said — not the host's own clinical position2:40
Common bile duct diameter greater than 6 millimeters was most sensitive for predicting common bile duct stones in children, although without statistical significance.
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position2:50
The pediatric duct score (published in Journal of American College of Surgeons with 10 centers) identified three most predictive risk factors: ducts greater than 6 mm, common bile duct stones on ultrasound, or total bilirubin greater than 1.8 mg/dL.
Host summaryDavid Vitale summarizes what Dr. Luke Neff said — not the host's own clinical position3:03
Pediatric literature with small sample size shows that same-anesthesia laparoscopic cholecystectomy with ERCP in stone disease led to less anesthesia time and lower length of stay.
Host summaryDavid Vitale summarizes what Dr. Luke Neff said — not the host's own clinical position3:41
Retrospective data comparing ERCP versus laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is conflicted and the choice is institution-dependent and provider-dependent based on expertise.
Expert opinionDavid Vitale4:03
Randomized trials from 2013 show no significant difference in morbidity, mortality, retained stones, or failure rates between ERCP and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position4:18
Stones above the cystic duct pose a problem because they can float up during attempted laparoscopic removal, making a straightforward procedure much more difficult.
Local expertise and availability is the most important factor in the decision tree between ERCP and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.
Expert opinionDavid Vitale5:00
Most free-standing children's hospitals do not have ERCP capabilities.
Host summaryCecilia Gigena summarizing the discussion — not the host's own clinical position8:59
Dr. Neff uses a 12-gauge angiocath for access, which may be hard to find in pediatric hospitals but can be ordered.