Various methods confirm stone clearance during surgical exploration of bile duct, but choledochoscopy is considered the most effective. However, choledochoscopes are expensive and often unavailable in low-resource settings. The Ambu aScope, a disposable flexible video-bronchoscope used in anesthesia, has been successfully tried as a cheaper alternative for CBD (Common Bile Duct) exploration in other countries. In Nepal, where affordability is a concern, reuse of properly disinfected Ambu aScopes may be justifiable if proven safe. Existing studies are limited and small in scale; this study is the first from Nepal to evaluate the reuse of Ambu aScope for choledochoscopy. This retrospective observational study will include all patients with CBD stones who underwent CBD exploration for stone using Ambu aScope in Department of Surgery of BPKIHS, Dharan between January 2022 and December 2024. Case record files of all patients who underwent CBD exploration using aScope as a Choledochoscope over last 3 years period will be obtained from medical record section and computer database of our department. All relevant information including patient demographics, indication for a CBD exploration, operative approach and procedure performed, intraoperative achievement of acceptable view of extrahepatic biliary tree using an aScope, intraoperative stone clearance on direct visualization of biliary tree and confirmation on postoperative T-tube cholangiogram or imaging on 10-14th postoperative day and intra/post-operative complications associated with the use of the aScope will be entered in a preformed proforma. In case of some missing information in medical case report sheet or computer database of our department, patient will be called directly on the contact number provided in admission sheet and through the telephonic conversation, the concerned queries will be cleared. Data will be entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed by SPSS version 29.0.1.0. Qualitative data were described using numbers and percentages. Quantitative data will be described using range (minimum and maximum), mean, standard deviation, and median.
Age range
16 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Feasibility of re-use of aScope during exploration of CBD for stone
Timeframe: intraoperative and early post operative upto 2 weeks