Introduction.

Cholelithiasis has a prevalence of 15%, and 21% will have choledocholithiasis at the time of cholecystectomy, with a 50% probability of presenting associated complications. Since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the approach to choledocholithiasis has been endoscopic, normative at a different time than the gallbladder; however, advances in laparoscopy have made it possible to explore the common bile duct by the same route, being able to perform both procedures in a single time safely.

Methods.

A search of the existing literature was performed regarding the one-step approach compared to the two-step approach for the management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.

Results.

There is evidence that demonstrates greater effectiveness of the two-step approach with ERCP and subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy over the one-step approach, especially in the rate of bile leak and the incidence of retained stones. The one-step approach with bile duct exploration and laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the same time is safe, with a high success rate, low incidence of complications, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Conclusion.

The one-step laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective procedure for the management cholelithiasis and concomitant choledocholithiasis, with the benefit of a shorter hospital stay; however, advanced technical skills in laparoscopic surgery are required. In our environment there is already an infrastructure for hybrid management with ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, both of which can be performed at the same time to reduce hospital stay and costs.

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