Role of the laparoscopic approach to biliary bypass for benign and malignant biliary diseases: a systematic review.

Background: The laparoscopic approach for biliary bypass surgery is a contemporary management option. This article reviews the evidence available for its role and effectiveness.
Methods: A computerised search was made of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for English language publications from the first report of laparoscopic biliary bypass in 1992 to January 2010.
Results: Some 89 patients featured in 19 reports underwent 89 laparoscopic biliary bypass procedures for benign (n=17) and malignant (n=72) indications. Of those, 52 patients underwent biliary bypass alone, while 37 patients underwent biliary bypass combined with gastric bypass. The procedures included cholecystojejunostomy (n=64), hepaticojejunostomy (n=14), and choledochoduodenostomy (n=11). The overall success rate in achieving resolution of jaundice was 98.9%, with a morbidity rate of 12.3% and a mortality rate of 5.6%. More than one procedure was required in 1.1% of patients to achieve resolution of obstructive jaundice. During a reported median follow-up period of 13 months, obstructive jaundice recurred in none of the patients.
Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach to biliary bypass surgery is safe and has a high initial success rate, low reintervention rate, and low morbidity and mortality rates. Longer follow-up data and comparative studies with open surgery and endoscopic stenting are needed.