DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjs.2026.v12i02.006

Pages: 157-160

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic aspects of common bile duct (CBD) lithiasis. Considered rare in Africa, CBD stones are a potentially serious condition, and their diagnosis is facilitated by imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan, MR cholangiography). Their surgical management is improved by laparoscopy combined with interventional endoscopy. However, laparotomy remains the only approach in Mali. This was a retrospective and descriptive study covering 14 years (2010-2014). All patients with VBP lithiasis were included. We studied the background, history, clinical, biological, radiological, and therapeutic aspects, as well as the results. Forty cases of VBP lithiasis were collected during the study period. The hospital frequency was 2.8 cases per year, with clinical signs dominated by Charcot's triad (pain, fever, jaundice) found in 40 cases (100%). The average age was 60 years, with females accounting for 70% of cases. Ultrasound was the most commonly requested examination in 40 cases (100%). The procedure performed was cholecystectomy combined with choledochotomy with stone extraction in all patients (100% of cases). One case of biliary fistula and one case of wall abscess were observed. Mortality was 5% and complications were minor in 90% of cases. Gallbladder lithiasis is a rare but potentially serious condition in our region. In our context, diagnosis is aided by ultrasound and CT scans. Laparotomy remains the only approach in Mali.