Abstract:ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic trans-cystic bile duct exploration(LTCBDE) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE) for the treatment of common bile duct stones. MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 53 patients with common bile duct stones treated in the Department of General Surgery at Putuo Peoples Hospital, affiliated with Tongji University, between June 2022 and January 2024 were selected. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups using a random number table: the study group(n=26) underwent LTCBDE, while the control group(n=27) underwent LCBDE. The two groups were compared in terms of operative time, postoperative hospital stay, total hospitalization cost, preoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal quality of life index(GIQLI), and incidence of postoperative complications. ResultsThere was no significant differences in the success rate of single-session stone clearance, intraoperative blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, and recurrence rate of common bile duct stones between the two groups. However, compared with those in the control group, the study group had a significantly shorter operative time [(145.80±47.60) minutes vs (174.20±51.22) minutes], earlier postoperative mobilization [(22.88±3.42) hours vs (31.72±3.71) hours), shorter time to first postoperative flatus [(22.51±3.65) hours vs (28.02±2.81) hours], shorter postoperative hospital stay [(8.44±1.19) days vs (10.76±2.13) days], and lower hospitalization costs [(28 241±11 300) CNY vs (36 233±12 220) CNY]. ConclusionLTCBDE for the treatment of common bile duct stones results in faster postoperative recovery, higher quality of life, and is both effective and safe, making it a procedure worth promoting.