Objective To investigate the feasibility and patient selection of T-tube free laparoscopic common bileduct exploration through mini-incision in confluence of common bile duct （CBD） and cystic duct. Methods The clinical data of 52 patients who underwent CBD exploration from January 2009 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. A 3-4mm longitudinal incision of anterior wall of CBD was made along the confluence of CBD and cystic duct， and then the choledochoscope was inserted into CBD through this mini-incision for the exploration and treatment by laparoscopy and choledochoscopy， the incision was sewed up by T-tube free primary suture. Results All 52 cases were cured and stone clearance rate was 100% as revealed by choledochoscopy and cholangiography. The time of operation， intraoperativecholangiography， removal of stones with help of choledochoscope， and removal drainage tube after operation was from 90 to 200 min with an average of 100min， 3 to 10min with an average of 6min， 5 to 15 min with an average of 8 min，and 3-5d with an average of 3.5d ， respectively. The drainage flow was 20-60mL/d with an average of 30mL/d. No biliary leakage， abdominal pain， and choloplania or infection of incision was observed following operation. The hospital stay was 5 to 12d with an average of 6.5d after operation. No calculus regeneration or bile duct stricture occurred during following-up of 3 to 40 months with an average of 20 months. Conclusion With proper patient selection， T-tube free laparoscopic CBD exploration through mini-incision in confluence of CBD and cystic duct is safe and feasible by proficient surgeons in laparoscopy and choledochoscopy.
