The laparoscopic approach to cholecysto-choledocholithiasis.The "rendez-vous " technique

A combined method of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) with common bile duct (CBD) stone extraction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia for a single-session treatment of patients with colecysto-choledocholithiasis is described. The so called "rendez-vous" technique consists in: standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography followed by ES if common bile duct stones are detected. The sphincterotome is driven across the papilla through a wire guide inserted by transcystic route. Nine patients were scheduled for "rendez-vous" approach. At intraoperative cholangiography 4 have had CBD stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and CBD clearance were successful in all patients. No complication was encountered. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days. The laparo-endoscopic "rendez-vous" approach is feasible, it reduces the number of unnecessary ERCP examinations, it lowers the morbidity related with endoscopic sphincterotomy and shortens the hospital stay.