Abstract: Objective To observe the change of liver function after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with secondary common bile duct stones, and evaluate its safety. Methods A total of 210 patients with secondary common bile duct stones conforming to operative indications were divided into a suture group (n=110) and T tube drainage group (n=100) with random number table method. The values of serum total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bile acid (TBA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transglutaminase (GGT) were detected preoperation and 1 day, 2 days after operation, and compared between groups. Results The levels of TBIL, DBIL, ALT, ALP, GGT and TBA were significantly lower after operation than those before operation in the two groups (P＜0.05). Some patients showed higher levels of TBIL 1 day after operation than that pre-operation in both of the two groups (P＜0.05). The level of jaundice decreased rapidly in the T tube drainage group than that in the primary closure group (P＜0.05). In the primary closure group, the serum level of bilirubin in patients with elevated bilirubin was lower on the third day after operation than that before operation. Conclusion Patients with secondary common bile duct stones conforming to operative indications are suggested primary closure following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, and changes of liver function after operation are in the safe range.

Key words: choledocholithiasis, suture techniques, drainage, liver function tests, primary closure, T-tube drainage