Application of Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in Primary Choledochal Suture during Combined Two-lens Surgery

Gallstones combined with common bile duct stones are a common clinical disease. The minimally invasive treatments include laparoscopic cholecystectomy + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LC+LCBDE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography + laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP+LC). LCBDE can resolve two issues in a single procedure, whereas ERCP+LC requires a two-step approach. As more studies have shown, common bile duct exploration with stone extraction followed by primary closure may lead to faster recovery and improved quality of life for patients. Anatomical variations in bile ducts and vessels are well-known to be common. Laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) is instrumental in clarifying the hepatic portal area's anatomical structures, determining biliary duct orientation, identifying spatial relationships between biliary ducts, hepatic arteries, and portal veins, and minimizing the risk of biliary injury. The procedure is illustrated here through a detailed case description. After administering general anesthesia, a laparoscopic approach was routinely established to inspect the abdominal cavity and assess lesions. Laparoscopic ultrasound was employed to evaluate the gallbladder triangle within the hepatic portal region, including the anatomy of bile ducts and vessels. The gallbladder triangle was dissected, followed by a 5-0 needle incision of the bile duct wall. Choledochoscopy was performed for stone extraction, with confirmation of normal duodenal papillary function. Continuous suturing of the bile duct wall was achieved using 5-0 polydioxanone monofilament suture material. Concurrently, laparoscopic ultrasound verified complete stone clearance and assessed suture integrity.