Choledocholithiasis Post-cholecystectomy: A Decade Later

Choledocholithiasis, the presence of stones in the Common Bile Duct (CBD), is a rare occurrence years after cholecystectomy. This case series documents four instances of choledocholithiasis identified over a decade after cholecystectomy, exploring their clinical presentations, diagnostic methods and treatment approaches. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), confirmed CBD stones in all patients. Therapeutic interventions, such as Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and stenting, successfully addressed the condition. Potential contributing factors, including Remnant Cystic Duct Lithiasis (RCDL) and surgical clip migration, are discussed in relation to these cases. This series highlights the need for awareness of delayed choledocholithiasis as a possible late complication after cholecystectomy and warrants further investigation into its risk factors and preventive strategies.