The Conventional Management of Common Bile Duct Stones Before Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The management of common bile duct stones traditionally required laparotomy for extraction. Recent advances have occurred in radiologic, endoscopic, and surgical techniques to broaden our options to treat patients with choledocholithiasis. The surgical approaches to the common duct stone have expanded to include open and laparoscopic techniques. Despite the increased surgical armamentarium, the principles of surgical management have not been altered. This chapter addresses the traditional surgical approaches to common bile duct stones.