ABSTRACT
Choledocholithiasis is the common problem that necessitates surgical intervention. It is managed either by endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgical exploration i.e. choledochotomy. The traditional surgical management of CBD stones consists of a supra-duodenal choledocotomy and insertion of a Ttube. The role of T–tube has been challenged since Thornton and Halsted described primary duct closure after CBD exploration. This study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of primary closure as compared to T-tube drainage in choledocholithiasis cases requiring CBD exploration. 70 patients in the age group of 18-60 years presenting with common bile duct stone were included after obtaining informed and written consent with exclusion of patients with malignant conditions and CBD dilation >2.5 cm. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups of 35 patients each: Group I (Primary repair group) and Group II (T-tube repair group).In Group I duration of hospital stay ranged from 8 to 20 days (mean 12.03±2.60 days) whereas in Group II this range was 18 to 29 days (mean 22.74±3.41 days. Statistically, the difference between two groups was significant (p<0.001).The primary closure was a feasible, safe and relatively better technique as compared to T-tube drainage. It had fewer complications and a smooth and shorter duration of hospital stay which have both economic as well as psychological implications.