Objectives:

To determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic approach versus conventional approach in CBD exploration as a treatment for choledochal lithiasis.

Methods:

A prospective and comparative study was carried out with a non-random intentionally selected sample consisting of 31 patients with CBD stones.

Results:

Both groups had no statistical differences regarding age, sex, frequency of gallbladder stones, and preoperatory ERCP. The average surgical time was 4.52 versus 3.49 hours for the laparoscopic and conventional approaches, respectively. In laparoscopic group, Kehr tube was used in 21% of patients and primary closure in 79%. In conventional group, Kehr tube was used in 29% of patients versus 71% of patients with primary closure. Biliary leak was the most frequent complication. Hospital stay was 3.14 days in the laparoscopic group versus 5.23 days in the conventional group, with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion:

It was not possible to demonstrate an evident superiority of any of the groups studied, however our patients could benefit from the advantages of the laparoscopic approach in terms of less postoperative pain and faster return to their usual activities. Similar and larger studies are necessary to achieve stronger and conclusive data.