Temporary CBD Stenting with a Nelaton Tube Is a More Practical and Safer Option Than T-Tube Drainage after Conventional CBD Exploration for Choledocholithiasis.

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.