One-Stage Laparoscopic Cholecysto-Duodenal Fistulectomy, Common Bile Duct Exploration and Cholecystectomy with Indocyanine Green Fluoro-Cholangiography: A Case Report

Alessandro Paganini, MD, FACS

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-6082
Year Produced: 2020
Length: 6 min.


Bilioenteric fistulas (BEF) are non-physiological communications between the biliary system and the gastrointestinal tract. In patients with gallstones the incidence of BEF is 0.15-4.8%. The most frequent locations are: cholecysto-duodenal (77-90%), cholecysto-colonic (8-26.5%), choledocho-duodenal (5%) and cholecysto-gastric (2%). Surgical treatment includes dissection of adhesions, fistulectomy and cholecystectomy. The combination of BEF, gallstones and common bile duct (CBD) stones is uncommon. In patients with gallstones and CBD stones, available options are one-stage [laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with CBD exploration (LC-LCBDE) or LC with endoscopic rendez-vous (LC-ERV)], or two-stage management [LC and pre or postoperative Endoscopic-Retrograde-Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES)]. Both are reported to be safe and effective, with lower hospital stay after one-stage option. The decision for one or the other depends on patient conditions, local resources and surgeons' expertise. We report the case of a 65-years-old woman with bilateral lung adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, who at follow up CT presented with symptomatic cholecysto-duodenal fistula, chronic cholecystitis and CBD stones. The patient underwent uneventful one-stage laparoscopic cholecysto-duodenal fistulectomy, LCBDE by choledochotomy with no biliary drainage and LC, with Indocyanine Green fluoro-cholangiography. She was discharged on postoperative day 2 with timely resumption of her oncologic treatment protocol. In this unusual case, laparoscopic cholecysto-duodenal fistulectomy together with one-stage laparoscopic management of gallstones and CBD stones offered the patient the opportunity to undergo multiple procedures during the same anesthesia, reducing hospital stay and costs. In experienced hands, the combination of different surgical procedures in one stage may provide safe and effective patient management.