Objective:To investigate the clinical results of primary closure of the common bile duct(CBD)by open and laparoscopic surgery in treatment of choledocholithotomy. Methods:A total of 86 patients with primary closure after the CBD exploration between January,2006 and August,2008 were enrolled,including 30(35%)umdergone laparoscopic choledochotomy(laparoscopic group)and 56(65%)received open choledochotomy(open group). The clinical data in the two groups were analyzed comparatively. Results:The patients of two groups were cured to discharge from hospital. No mortality and no complications such as postoperative bleeding or pulmonary infection occurred in two groups. There was no significant difference in bile duct retained stones,postoperative infection and bile leakage between two groups. On the volume of intraoperative bleeding,time of gastrointestinal recovery,abdominal drainage and postoperative stay,the laparoscopic group was much superior to the open group(P < 0.05). However,the laparoscopic group had a longer operation time and a higher hospital expense than the open group. Conclusion:Laparoscopic group has a better postoperative recovery but a longer operation time. Comparatively,the open group with wider range of indication has a lower cost of treatment and is similar with the laparoscopic group in the incidence of postoperative complications.