RCT on Robotic vs. Endo-laparoscopic Approach for Difficult Choledocholithiasis

In the researchers' words

Gallstone disease is a very common disease identity in the world. Migration of stones from gallbladder to common bile duct (CBD), causing CBD stones (choledocholithiasis), occurs in up to 22% of cases. Traditionally, choledocholithiasis can be managed by therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with interval cholecystectomy in 85% of patients. In around 15% of the patients, the clearance of choledocholithiasis cannot be effectively achieved with standard ERCP (difficult choledocholithiasis). As recommended by European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline, difficult choledocholithiasis can be managed by either endoscopic or surgical approaches. Clinical evidences by meta-analyses comparing endoscopic with surgical approaches are conflicting. Considering the timing of cholecystectomy to eliminate the pathological source of CBD stone, one-stage laparoscopic CBD exploration LCBDE plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy LC is an attractive approach. Although one-stage laparoscopic approach is associated with higher stone clearance rate (up to 96%) than traditional two-stage endo-laparoscopic approach (preoperative ERCP and LC), postoperative complication rate is substantial (up to 17%). Among those complications, postoperative bile leak is likely related to laparoscopic instrumental limitations in LCBDE. With advancement of da Vinci robotic system,…