Minimally invasive common bile duct exploration reduces fluoroscopy time.

In a comparison of minimally invasive common bile duct exploration (MICBDE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for treating choledocholithiasis, significant advantages were found for MICBDE. Fluoroscopy time was notably lower for MICBDE (1.54 minutes) compared to ERCP (3.1 minutes, p<.001), while radiation exposure remained similar between both methods (MICBDE: 38.41 mGy; ERCP: 38 mGy, p=0.88). Technical success rates for common bile duct clearance were also comparable, suggesting MICBDE as a preferred choice during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.