Laparoscopic transcystic exploration for single-stage management of common duct stones and acute cholecystitis

Background Common bile duct (CBD) stones are found in 10% of patients who undergo elective laparoscopic surgery for gallstone disease and in 10–20% of patients who present with acute cholecystitis (AC). For the latter, the role of laparoscopic transcystic exploration of the common duct (LTCE) as part of a single-stage procedure is still unknown.