Clinical comparative study of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration versus endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical effects between 1aparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) plus laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus LC (POEST) for common bile duct stones. Methods 214 patients diagnosed with biliary diseases were included in this study at our institution. The patients were randomized into two groups: LC+ LCBDE group (n=106) and POEST group (n=108). Data including gender, age, number of stones, diameter of bile duct stones, hospitalization time, one-stage cure rate, the residual stone rate and recent complications were collected. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and the data of long-term complications were obtained. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to gender, age, number of stones, and diameter of bile duct stones. The hospitalization time in LC+ LCBDE group was significantly shorter than that in POEST group [(10.6±4.7) days vs. (13.1±6.8) days, P 0.05). The calculi recurrent rate in LC+ LCBDE group was significantly lower than in POEST group (P 0.05). Conclusion Comparing to POEST, LC+ LCBDE is a better choice of therapy for gallbladder and common bile duct stones. Key words: Choledocholithiasis; Common bile duct exploration; Endoscopic sphincterotomy