Abstract
Background: Intrahepatic bile duct stones are common in Southeast Asia and are characterized by complex progression, multiple complications, and challenges in management. Postoperative residual stones and recurrence remain major concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for intrahepatic bile duct stones.
Materials and method: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 105 patients who underwent surgery for intrahepatic stones from October 2020 to April 2023 at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Hue Central Hospital.
Result: The mean age was 55.9 ± 12.6 years, with females accounting for 69.5%; reoperation rate was 72.4%. Common symptoms included right upper quadrant pain (94.3%), fever (41.9%), and jaundice (29.5%). Preoperative complications were acute cholangitis (68.6%), hepatic atrophy (38.1%), and abscess formation (21.9%). Left-sided stones were present in 53.3%, and 81% had concomitant extrahepatic stones. Surgical procedures included common bile duct exploration (46.7%), hepatic resection (44.8%), and biliary−enteric anastomosis (8.6%). The shortest operative time was observed in bile duct exploration (median 150 minutes, IQR 100-170), while the longest occurred in biliary-enteric anastomosis (195.6 ± 49.8 minutes). Postoperative complications occurred in 29.5%, including surgical site infection (21%), residual abscess (6.7%), and bile leakage (2.9%); the highest complication rate was in the hepatic resection group (44.7%). Complete stone clearance was achieved in 61%, highest in hepatic resection (76.6%) and lowest in biliary-enteric anastomosis (44.4%). Stone recurrence was 32.8%, lowest after hepatic resection (19.4%) and highest after biliary enteric anastomosis (75%). Right-sided and bilateral stones were associated with higher residual stone rates. Univariate analysis identified hepatic atrophy, diffuse stones involving ≥3 segments, and hepatic resection as factors related to residual stones. Multivariate analysis showed hepatic resection was the only independent factor, reducing residual stone risk by 0.3-fold.
Conclusion: Hepatic resection, particularly left hepatectomy, is a safe and effective treatment for intrahepatic bile duct stones, improving stone clearance and reducing recurrence. For diffuse, bilateral stones or reoperative cases, a multimodal approach with appropriate intraoperative and postoperative support is essential.

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