Abstract:Background and Aims Laparoscopic transcystic bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) has become the preferred method for treating secondary bile duct stones due to its advantages of minimal trauma, fast recovery, and low complication rates. However, challenges remain in the dilation of the cystic duct, the insertion of the choledochoscope, and the exploration of the common hepatic duct and intrahepatic bile ducts. This study was performed to explore the clinical application and effectiveness of the programmed modified LTCBDE in the treatment of gallbladder stones combined with common bile duct stones.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 248 patients who underwent programmed modified LTCBDE at the Affiliated Suzhou Ninth Hospital of Soochow University from January 2018 to January 2024. The surgical strategies and treatment outcomes were summarized. Data from 913 patients who underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) during the same period were also collected to compare surgical outcomes and postoperative complications between the two groups.Results Through programmed surgical steps, the innovative "diaphragm" incision technique, and improved bile duct probe application, 244 patients (98.4%) successfully underwent LTCBDE, while 4 patients were converted to LCBDE due to failure to insert a 4.9 mm choledochoscope through the cystic duct. After operation, 1 patient (0.4%) had residual bile duct stones, which were successfully removed through T-tube tract stone extraction (this patient was converted to LCBDE during the procedure). Additionally, 1 case of bile leakage and 1 case of abdominal infection (each 0.4%) occurred, both of which resolved with conservative treatment. No cases of intra-abdominal bleeding, bile duct stenosis, or bile duct injury were reported. The average operative time in the programmed modified LTCBDE group was comparable to that of the LCBDE group (85.2 min vs. 88.0 min, P=0.398), but the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (6.2 d vs. 8.3 d, P<0.001), and the incidence of complications was lower (1.6% vs. 4.7%, P=0.044).Conclusion The programmed modified LTCBDE is a standardized, safe, and effective procedure with a low complication rate. It is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.