The effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration in treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis

Updates Surg. 2025 Jan 25. doi: 10.1007/s13304-025-02110-7. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This study aims to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE), laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones. We conducted a retrospective comparative analysis based on surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative recovery metrics, total hospitalization costs, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) before and after surgery, and the incidence of postoperative complications. No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the surgical success rate, first stone clearance rate, intraoperative blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, and stone recurrence rate (p > 0.05). The LTCBDE group had shorter surgical time, earlier time to get out of bed, earlier first flatus time, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and earlier removal of abdominal drainage tube compared to the LCBDE and the ERCP + LC groups (all p < 0.05). The average hospitalization cost was also lower in the LTCBDE group (p < 0.05). LTCBDE for the treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones leads to faster recovery and improved quality of life. It is safe and effective, making it a method worthy of promotion.

Keywords: Common bile duct stones; Gallbladder stones; LCBDE; LTCBDE.