The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and cholecystectomy for the treatment of difficult common bile duct stones combined with gallstones: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the benefits of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCBDE + LC) versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and/or endoscopic sphincterotomy following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP/EST + LC) for difficult common bile duct stones combined with gallstones.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with difficult common bile duct stones combined with gallstones in three hospitals from January 2016 to January 2021 was performed.

RESULTS

ERCP/EST + LC contributed to reducing postoperative drainage time. However, LCBDE + LC showed a higher rate of complete clearance, along with lower postoperative hospital stays, expenses and incidence of postoperative hyperamylasemia, pancreatitis, re-operation and recurrence. In addition, LCBDE + LC showed safe and feasible performance in the elderly and patients with previous upper abdominal surgery.

CONCLUSION

It is an effective and safe method for LCBDE + LC for difficult common bile duct stones combined with gallstones.