[Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: report of 43 cases]

This study reviews the results of common bile duct exploration (CBDE) in 43 cases for suspected stones in the process of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Stones found and removed laparoscopically in 32 cases were 4.0-25.0mm in diameter and with the number ranging from 1 to 40 in a single patient. Exploration was negative in 11 patients (25.6%). AT-tube was inserted into the CBD in all patients exception 9. Two patients suffered from postoperative peritonitis including in one occurring in post-operation day 1 because of dislocated T-tube, and in the other after removing the tube 5 weeks postoperatively. Two patients had a retained stone. Our results suggest that laparoscopic CBDE is a feasible and effective measure for patients with choledocholithiasis.