To explore the clinical diagnosis and treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in military pilots and the aeromedical assessment.

The detailed diagnosis and treatment process, as well as the aeromedical assessment of 3 military pilots diagnosed as CBDS in Air Force Medical Center, PLA from June 2009 to March 2015 were collected. Then it was analyzed by the new technology.

Three pilots were diagnosed as CBDS and obstructive jaundice due to long term cholecystolithiasis or calculus of intrahepatic duct. Case 1 was secondary to cholecystolithiasis, and received laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration. Case 2 was secondary to intrahepatic cholelithiasis and underwent left lateral lobectomy and common bile duct exploration. Case 3 recurred after cholecystolithotomy and then underwent open cholecystectomy, choledochoplasty and T-tube drainage because of biliary stricture. All 3 cases recovered well. The aeromedical assessment conclusions were as follows: case 1 was qualified to flight 5 months after operation, case 2 was grounded due to hypertension after the operation, case 3 was qualified after 6 months of the operation.

CBDS of military pilots is often secondary to cholecystolithiasis or intrahepatic bile duct stones. The operation should be performed as early as possible, and minimally invasive methods should be adopted. The pilots with proper treatment and good postoperative recovery can be qualified to flight.

Choledocholithiasis; Eligibility determination; Military pilots