Objective. We are trying to investigate the possibility, safety, and benefits of replacing the role of T-tube by another more safe and
effective procedure for biliary decompression in the case of common bile duct (CBD) exploration. Methods. Our present study
includes fifty consecutive patients who underwent a traditional CBD exploration due to choledocholithiasis. Patients were divided
into 2 equal groups. In the 1st group, a spontaneously expelled Nelaton tube is placed in the CBD to aid in bile drainage to the
duodenum, while in the 2nd group, a conventional T-tube is placed to decompress the CBD in the early postoperative (PO) days
to a drainage bag. Operative and PO data as well as PO hospital stay time were recorded. All data were collected and statistically
analyzed. Results.The mean operative time and PO hospital stay days were significantly low (p value < 0.05) in the Nelaton tube
drainage group compared with the T-tube drainage group. On the other hand, the mean time needed for the abdominal drain
removal was significantly higher in the T-tube drainage group (p value < 0.05). Conclusion. Nelaton tube with internal biliary
drainage is effective and safer than T-tube drainage and it helps in reduction of the PO hospital stay time. In addition, it avoids all
short-term complications of T-tube. |
