Common bile duct (CBD) stones are a common condition, affecting 10-20% of patients with gallstones. They can lead to serious complications such as obstructive jaundice, acute suppurative cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing CBD stones effectively.

Recent meta-analyses indicate that both endoscopic ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography are highly sensitive, specific, and accurate for diagnosing CBD stones. Endoscopic ultrasonography is particularly noted for its superior sensitivity compared to other methods.

For patients with symptomatic gallstones, management strategies vary based on their risk of having CBD stones (low, intermediate, or high probability). High-risk patients typically benefit from single-stage laparoscopic CBD exploration and cholecystectomy, which has shown better outcomes in terms of technical success and shorter hospital stays compared to sequential ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.