ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical experience on primary suture after common bile duct exploration and to investigate its clinical indications and curative effects. MethodsThe clinical data of 137 patients underwent primary closure of common bile duct between February 2006 and June 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsAll operations were successful. The operative time ranged from 65-213 min (mean 129 min) and the blood loss ranged from 50-350 ml with an average of 148 ml. One hundred and twenty-four patients (90.5%) were discharged from hospital without complications within 7 d after operation. Postoperative bile leakage occurred in 13 patients (9.5%) consisted of 10 early stage cases (18.5%, 10/54) and 3 later stage cases (3.6%, 3/83), which were discharged with improvement by conservative treatment within 3 weeks after operation. Totally 113 patients (82.5%) were followed up for 2-54 months with a median time of 14 months, no residual or retained stone and biliary duct stricture occurred. ConclusionOnly with the strict indication and proficient surgical technology, primary suture after common bile duct exploration is a safe and effective way to choledocholithiasis.