Modified Continuous Versus Interrupted Choledochotomy Closure in LCBDE With T-Tube Drainage

Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University360 enrolled

Overview

This observational study aims to compare two techniques for closing the common bile duct incision (choledochotomy) after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) with T-tube drainage. Interrupted suturing is commonly used, but it can be time-consuming during laparoscopic surgery. A modified continuous suturing approach may improve efficiency while maintaining safety. We will retrospectively review patients who underwent LCBDE with T-tube drainage at our institution. Patients will be grouped according to the choledochotomy closure technique used during routine clinical care (modified continuous suturing versus conventional interrupted closure). To reduce baseline differences between groups, propensity score matching based on preoperative and intraoperative characteristics will be applied. The primary outcome is choledochotomy closure time. Secondary outcomes include total operative time and perioperative safety outcomes, such as bile leakage and other postoperative complications, as well as short-term postoperative recovery indicators. This study will provide comparative evidence on operative efficiency and safety of continuous versus interrupted choledochotomy closure in the setting of LCBDE with T-tube drainage.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

360

Conditions

Common Bile Duct Calculi

Interventions

Modified continuous suture was performed using 4-0 knotless barbed polydioxanone sutures (Quill™, Surgical Specialties Corporation). A continuous full-thickness suture was placed from the distal (duodenal) end to the proximal (hepatic) end, with bites of approximately 2 mm and a stitch interval of 3-4 mm. After completion of the continuous closure, 1-2 reinforcing stitches were placed in the opposite direction (from proximal to distal), and the suture was secured by tying to the tail end of the initial stitch.

Interrupted suturePROCEDURE

Interrupted suture was performed using 4-0 antibacterial monofilament polydioxanone sutures (PDS™ Plus, Ethicon, LLC). Interrupted sutures were placed from the distal (duodenal) end to the proximal (hepatic) end, with bites of approximately 2 mm and a stitch interval of 3-4 mm; each stitch was tied separately. An additional 1-2 reinforcing stitches (transverse or figure-of-eight) were placed around the T-tube exit site to enhance apposition between the choledochotomy edge and the tube wall.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * (1) age ≥18 years; (2) imaging-confirmed CBDS; (3) intraoperative placement of a T-tube; and (4) Common bile duct (CBD) diameter ≥6 mm Exclusion Criteria: * coagulopathy, severe cognitive impairment, multiple intrahepatic stones, biliary stricture, malignancy, liver cirrhosis, severe acute pancreatitis (BISAP score ≥3), and acute cholangitis complicated by septic shock, classified as Grade III according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Choledochotomy Closure Time

The time taken to complete choledochotomy closure, from the beginning of suturing to the completion of the final knot. This measure is recorded in minutes for each patient.

Time frame: Closure time is measured intraoperatively during the procedure and recorded once closure is complete.

Secondary Outcomes

Total Operative Time

The total time from the initiation of the procedure to the completion of the surgery. This includes all steps of the surgery, from incision to closure.

Time frame: The total operative time is measured during the procedure, from the first incision to the final closure.