One-stage versus two-stage approach for concomitant gallbladder and common bile duct stones: which one is more proper in patients over 80 years old?

At present, the optimal treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones combined with gallstones is still controversial. The two most widely accepted techniques are one-stage laparoscopic CBD exploration plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and two-stage preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy plus LC. Considering that all current evidence comes from nonrandomized controlled trials, multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to further establish the treatment strategy for elderly patients with CBD stones combined with gallstones.