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If a stone in the common bile duct is not removed, the duct may become infected, resulting in emergency surgery. Common bile duct exploration is often done during surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision. The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera - smaller than a dime - which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to explore the common bile duct and adjacent structures. Once the stones are located, a flexible endoscope is used to retrieve them. A temporary tube may be in place after the operation to drain excess bile. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape.

For your convenience, Presbyterian Healthcare is providing you the list of all surgeons who perform this procedure and have requested to be listed on this site. When making your selection, we encourage you to meet with the surgeon and inquire about training, number of procedures performed, etc. Its important that you choose the surgeon who makes you most comfortable. These physicians are independent practitioners and not employees of Presbyterian Healthcare.