Background: There is no clear consensus on the better therapeutic approach (endoscopic versus surgical) to choledocholithiasis. This study is a meta-analysis of the available evidence.
Methods: A search of the Medline and ISI databases identified 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. The analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The outcome was calculated as an odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.).
Results: Outcomes of 1357 patients were studied. There was no significant difference in successful duct clearance (OR 0.85 (95 per cent c.i. 0.64 to 1.12); P = 0.250), mortality (RR 1.79 (95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 4.83); P = 0.250), total morbidity (RR 0.89 (95 per cent 0.71 c.i. to 1.13); P = 0.350), major morbidity (RR 1.34 (95 per cent c.i. 0.92 to 1.97); P = 0.130) or need for additional procedures (OR 1.37 (95 per cent c.i. 0.82 to 2.29); P = 0.230) between the endoscopic and surgical groups. There was also no significant difference between the endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery groups.
Conclusion: Both approaches have similar outcomes, and treatment should be determined by local resources and expertise.