Management of choledocholithiasis has evolved towards single-stage techniques, which demonstrate significantly lower 30-day morbidity and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional two-stage laproendoscopic approaches. Intraoperative endoscopic rendezvous procedures show further enhanced patient outcomes by minimizing the risk of post-endoscopic pancreatitis. Additionally, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration offers superior stone clearance rates, reduced costs, and efficient hospital stays. However, barriers like training, equipment, and staffing hinder widespread adoption of these effective methods.
Review by Smith SM, Kelley JK, Zambito GM and Banks-Venegoni AL in Am Surg