Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, does real life practice mirror the evidence?

Choledocholithiasis is identified in approximately 10–15% of the population with symptomatic cholelithiasis (1,2). Treatment is indicated, particularly when symptomatic, as the consequences may be serious. Ensuing complications from choledocholithiasis include pain, cholangitis, pancreatitis, hepatic abscess and in chronic obstruction, biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension (1,3).