Abstract
The management of patients with CBD stones has been revolutionized by the introduction of laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic treatment (EST and EPBD). Since 1992 we started laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE). Between January,1992 and August,1998 we worked with 65 cases of choledocholithiasis. Laparoscopic CBDE was attempted in 48 patients, and was successful in 43 patients. Twenty-one patients underwent laparoscopic CBDE through a transcystic duct approach, and 22 patients through the choledochotomy. There were no morbid complications. Laparoscopic CBDE is a single-stage treatment without damage to the papilla. The results obtained suggest that laparoscopic CBDE, especially transcystic approach, is an easy and feasible procedure. However the high-risk patients with CBD stones are better candidates of other procedure (endoscopic treatment or open surgery).
