Residual stones in the common bile duct: Critical analysis following 2, 700 consecutive cholecystectomies

A follow-up of 2.700 cholecystectomies disclosed 33 cases of residual stones (1.2%). A significant decrease in the rate of residual stones occurred in the last 2 years of the study (0.4%). Most residual stones occurred in patients with multiple choledochal stones found during the primary procedure. Since 1980 all residual stones were treated by percutaneous or endoscopic techniques, without mortality. Diminishing risks of treatment for residual stones following cholecystectomy significantly increase the cost:benefit ratio of this procedure.