Introduction : Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and cholecystectomy as a single-stage treatment of choledocholithiasis have been shown to be superior when compared to the two stage management. Decompression after supra-duodenal choledochotomy is common practice as it reduces the chance of bile leaks. We conducted a randomized comparative study to compare the feasibility and outcomes in patients undergoing biliary stent insertion versus T-tube drainage following LCBDE via choledochotomy.

Methods : The study involved 64 patients with choledocholithiasis , half of which underwent biliary decompression after LCBDE using biliary stent and in the other half T-tube was used.

Results : Patients in the stent group had significantly shorter operative time, lesser post-operative complications, lesser hospital stay and earlier return to normal activity(p<0.001).

Conclusions : In our study, we found there is a significant reduction in length of hospital stay and morbidity for patients that have ante-grade biliary stent decompression of the CBD post laparoscopic choledochotomy when compared to T-Tube drainage. This implies that ante grade biliary stent insertion is likely to reduce costs and increase overall patient satisfaction.