Exploration of Common Bile Duct
Pre-Operative preparation:
As for general anaesthetic. If you are jaundiced it is likely that you will require intravenous fluids and antibiotics to cover the operation.
Procedure:
The common bile duct is usually explored at the time of a cholecystectomy if stones are found in the bile duct when the operative cholangiogram is performed. At the time of surgery a cut is made in the common bile duct and the duct irrigated with fluid thereafter a balloon catheter is passed into the duct and used to retrieve stones. At the end of the procedure a fine fibre optic telescope is passed into the duct to confirm there are no stones remaining. The duct is either stitched closed or closed over a drain known as a T tube. The latter is preferred if it has been a prolonged procedure or there is a lot of swelling.
Exploration of the bile duct can be undertaken as part of either a laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy.
Anaesthesia:
General
Post Operative Care:
As for laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy. However it is likely there will be a drain left in place for the immediate post operative period. If a T-tube is required this will be left for 10-14 days when a further x-ray will be required to ensure that there is free passage of bile into the duodenum. If this is confirmed the T-tube can be removed.
OPC Codes:
J1820: Cholecystectomy with exploration of common bile duct
J3300: Exploration of common bile duct
