Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a safe and effective single‐stage treatment for choledocholithiasis in the elective setting. The outcomes after LCBDE in the emergency setting are unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes following elective and emergency LCBDE for choledocholithiasis. Methods Details of all patients who underwent LCBDE for choledocholithiasis between August 2003 and August 2013 were analysed retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was common bile duct (CBD) stone clearance rate. Secondary outcome measures were conversion rate, morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. Results Some 215 consecutive patients (57 male; median age 65 (range 14–92) years) underwent LCBDE. Some 121 procedures were performed electively and 94 as an emergency. Forty‐five patients (48 per cent) presented with obstructive jaundice or cholangitis in the emergency LCBDE group compared with 15 (12·4 per cent) in the elective group (P