Role of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis

Table 1 Effective and important factors in common bile duct stones approach

Factor	Trans-cystic approach	Trans-ductal approach
Single stone	Yes	Yes
Multiple stones	Yes	Yes
Stones < 6 mm diameter each	Yes	Yes
Stones > 6 mm diameter each	No	Yes
Intrahepatic stones	No	Yes
Diameter of cystic duct < 4 mm	No	Yes
Diameter of cystic duct > 4 mm	Yes	Yes
Diameter of common bile duct < 6 mm	Yes	No
Diameter of common bile duct > 6 mm	Yes	Yes
Suturing ability-poor	Yes	No