Can a disposable bronchoscope-ascope- be used as choledochoscope
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can a disposable video-bronchoscope -ascope- be used as choledochoscope for exploration of common bile duct? - a pilot study
IRAS ID
199541
Contact name
Ravindra Date
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most commonly performed operation in the United Kingdom (UK). Choledochoscopy used for exploration of the common bile duct (CBD), is a relatively uncommon procedure deployed during LC. The small number of cases makes investment in currently available video-choledochoscopes less cost effective and most units continue to use old fashioned DIRECT VIEWING choledochscope off the shelf.\n\nDisposable fibre-optic video-bronchoscope (aScope) is currently used by anaesthetists for visualisation of the trachea in cases of difficult intubation. Compared to conventional bronchoscopes used by Respiratory Physicians for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy; resolution of aScope is not as good and heated devices for therapeutic purpose cannot be used within it. Being disposable and relatively inexpensive, aScope equates to a cost effective solution for a small number of cases.\nThe currently used choledochoscope is similar to aScope in its physical properties. It is hypothesised that aScope could be used for exploration of CBD. \nBenefits of ascope over direct viewing scope are \n1. A video monitor allows for better visualisation of the duct on a screen.\n2. Low cost.\n3. Disinfection of all the choledochosopes in the UK is done in Glasgow. The process takes 2 weeks and incurs additional cost for transportation and disinfection.\n\nAims: A pilot study to assess and evaluate use of aScope as a choledocoscope for detection and extraction of stones and also to assess feasibility of its use through the laproscopic ports during laparoscopic exploration of CBD.\nOnly the patients undergoing CBD exploration under current criteria will be enrolled\n\nWe aim to recruit patients in batches of 3 pending the results of previous batch. Cases will be done jointly by 2 consultants. A Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgeon will be involved and kept on stand-by during the study. If any major complication happens the study will be stopped.\n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0431
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion