Laparoscopic primary suture of the common bile duct in patients with common bile duct stones: a comparative analysis of two suturing methods in terms of safety, efficacy, and convenience with 16-month follow-up.

Background: Primary suturing of the common bile duct (CBD) is increasingly used in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for selected patients, though the optimal suturing method remains unclear. This study compares the efficacy of continuous versus interrupted sutures for primary CBD closure in patients with CBD stones.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with CBD stones who underwent primary CBD closure at Yancheng First People's Hospital from October 2022 to December 2023. Data included demographics, hospital stay, complications, and follow-up outcomes. Of these, 69 received continuous sutures, and 51 received interrupted sutures.

Results: No significant differences were found in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), CBD diameter, preoperative bilirubin levels, or stone residuals between groups. The incidence of postoperative fever, bile leakage, electrolyte disturbances, bleeding, wound infection, and CBD stricture was similar. Continuous suturing required less operative time than interrupted suturing (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Both continuous and interrupted suturing techniques are safe and effective for CBD closure in selected patients, though continuous suturing is more time-efficient.