Objective: To compare the effects of primary closure and T-tube drainage following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Methods: The clinical data of 71 patients who underwent LCBDE for stone extraction from January 2011 to August 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 71 patients, 39 cases underwent primary closure (suture group) and 32 cases received T-tube drainage (drainage group) after LCBDE. The intra- and postoperative conditions between the two groups were compared. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay and time to liquid intake (all P>0.05), but abdominal drainage time and hospital costs in suture group were significantly lower than those of drainage group (both P<0.05). The incidences of postoperative complications such as bile leakage, cholangitis and retained stones between the two groups showed no statistical difference (P>0.05). No bile duct stricture or death occurred in either group. Conclusion: Primary closure has reduced duration of postoperative drainage and hospital cost compared with T-tube drainage following LCBDE, and thus, it could be proposed as the method of first choice under appropriate indications.