Ara Darzi

This book provides a concise overview of several critically important techniques and their applications within Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration (LCBDE). LCBDE is rapidly emerging as the preferential management option for treating patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones. Chapters within this book describe how this technique can be applied to manage patients with concomitant gallstones, which aims to increase the exploration of the CBD via the transcystic route. Particular mention is made for the use of energy devices to enable stone fragmentation within the bile duct also known as Lithotripsy-Assisted Bile duct Exploration by Laparoendoscopy (LABEL). Guidance is also provided on how to set-up an acute biliary service which can offer the single-stage management of concomitant gallstones and choledocholithiasis. The concepts of ‘Leveraging Access to Technology and Enhanced Surgical Techniques (LATEST)’ in LCBDE and ‘Biliary Surgery 2.0’ as the framework through whichthese techniques can be further enhanced are analysed. Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration features insight into how to perform these increasingly important procedures successfully and set-up a service within institutions that are yet to provide it. Therefore, it is a valuable resource for all medical professionals involved in the care of these patients.