Surgical and endoscopic management of remnant cystic duct lithiasis after cholecystectomy--a case series.

INTRODUCTION

Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) as a result of remnant cystic duct lithiasis (RCDL), or gallstones within the cystic duct after cholecystectomy, can cause persistent or recurrent symptoms after cholecystectomy.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective descriptive analysis was performed for all patients with RDCL at a single institution between 2001 and 2012. Details of presentation, diagnosis, and surgical and endoscopic treatments, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with RCDL were identified. The interval between cholecystectomy to RCDL discovery was 34.2 months (range 0.5-168 months). On a standard liver enzyme panel, 75% of patients had derangements in ≥1 indices, with the most common single laboratory test abnormality occurring in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (80%). Eight operative reports noted that the cystic duct was noticeably dilated at the time of cholecystectomy. Two patients developed a cystic duct leak (Strasberg type A bile duct injury) postoperatively, which was managed nonoperatively. Six cases of RCDL required surgery, and six were managed endoscopically.

CONCLUSION

RCDL is a potential cause of postcholecystectomy syndrome, but the true incidence is unknown. Laboratory analysis and imaging are helpful in establishing the diagnosis of RCDL. Endoscopic therapy has a role in the treatment of RCDL, but surgical excision of the remnant cystic duct lithiasis may be required.