The aim of the current study was to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcome of a laparoscopic approach for management of primary hepatolithiasis.

From January 1995 to June 2008, 55 consecutive patients with primary hepatolithiasis who underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy and laparoscopic bile duct exploration were analyzed. Immediate outcomes included stone clearance rate, operative morbidity, and mortality. Long-term outcomes included stone recurrence rate and hepatolithiasis-related mortality.

Nineteen patients underwent laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy and 36 patients underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration. Twenty-five patients also underwent concomitant laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy bypass. The operative morbidity and mortality rates were 25.5% and 1.8%, respectively. Four procedures needed open conversion. The immediate stone clearance rate was 90.9%, and the final stone clearance rate was 94.5% after subsequent choledochoscopic treatment. With a mean follow-up of 59 ± 30 months, recurrent stones developed in 3 patients. One patient died of advanced cholangiocarcinoma.

In selected patients with primary hepatolithiasis, a laparoscopic approach of definitive treatment is safe and effective with good immediate and long-term outcomes.