Choledocholithiasis: endoscopic versus laparoscopic management.

Choledocholithiasis is present in 6 to 10 per cent of patients who have cholelithiasis. In the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy (ERCP/ERS) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LSCBDE) have been used to treat choledocholithiasis. The purpose of this study is to compare ERCP/ERS with LSCBDE. A retrospective review of 913 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy identified 61 patients who had ERCP/ERS or LSCBDE to treat choledocholithiasis at a community medical center between 1990 and 1996. Outcome parameters were hospital length of stay (LOS), hospital cost, and complications. The results were: ERCP (n=26; LOS, 5.0+/-3.6 days; cost, $11,823+/-$7,000; complications, 23.1%); LSCBDE (n=35; LOS, 3.4+/-2.4 days; cost, $9,100+/-$2,884; complications, 2.9%); and P value (LOS, 0.028; cost, 0.066; complications, 0.034). LSCBDE results in a significantly shorter LOS and significantly fewer complications, and is less costly than ERCP/ERS. LSCBDE, when feasible, should be considered the gold standard for the management of choledocholithiasis.