Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in treatment of recurrent or residual common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 52 patients with recurrent or residual common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy undergoing LCBDE treatment from April 2012 to June 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of the 52 patients, LCBDE was successfully performed in 48 cases (92.3%), and the remaining 4 cases were converted to open surgery due to severe abdominal adhesion. Of the 48 patients, 15 cases underwent T-tube placement during operation, and 33 cases received primary common bile duct closure; the operative time was (102.6±19.5) min, intraoperative blood loss was (38.6±12.7) mL, and length of postoperative hospital stay was (4.2±2.5) d. Mild bile leakage after operation occurred in 2 cases, and bile peritonitis occurred in one case after T tube removal, which were all resolved by conservative treatment; one case had remnant common bile duct stones after operation, and they were extracted by choledochoscopic net basket via the T-tube sinus tract at 6 weeks after operation. Conclusion: For recurrent or residual common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy, LCBDE has high success rate with minimal invasion and fast recovery, so it is recommended to be used.