Objective: To analyze the indications, surgical techniques and complications of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE). Methods: The literature related to LTCBDE from January 2000 to January 2012 was retrieved using Chinese Biomedical Journal Literature Database, Academic Dissertation Database and Meeting Papers Database were collected and analyzed. Results: Seventeen papers (1 186 cases) were selected, in which the operations were successfully performed in 1 142 (96.29%) cases, the average operative time was (114.59±29.11) min, average length of hospital stay was (5.17±1.8) d, and postoperative complications occurred in 21 (1.84%) cases. Conclusion: As a minimally invasive surgery, LTCBDE has the advantages of being safe, effective, convenient and economical. Indications for LTCBDE should be expanded in clinical practice and it is the first choice for secondary cholangiolithiasis with number of stones less than three, diameter of cystic duct larger than 4 mm and diameter of stone less than 5 mm.