18 Jul 2025 • In patients with cholelithiasis and difficult common bile duct stones (DCBDS), a single-stage approach—laparoscopic CBD exploration with cholecystectomy (LCBDE + LC)—outperformed the two-stage endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with subsequent cholecystectomy (ERCP + LC) strategy.

Though CBD clearance was similar, LCBDE + LC halved residual stones, cut complications fourfold, and eliminated postoperative pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia.

Cholangitis risk was 3.5 times lower, with shorter hospital stays, quicker bowel recovery, reduced inflammation, and better liver function, supporting it as the safer, more efficient option.

Source: Science Direct | Read Full Story