OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to verify the possibility to identify and treat common bile duct (CBD) stones by means of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a reduction of postoperative complications. METHODS We have carried out a retrospective monocenter analysis of 104 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy performed by a single surgeon at the VII Division of General Surgery, Second University of Naples, between 2002 and 2006. Before the operation, we have performed highly selective studies like MRCP and ERCP to identify and treat CBD stones in patients affected by pancreatitis, jaundice, high liver function tests or in case of common bile duct dilation at the US examination, without intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS Of 104 patients with indication for a cholecystectomy, 22 patients (21.2%) presented high levels of cholestasis tests; 13 patients (12.5%) presented common bile duct dilation at the US examination (>6 mm diameter). Both groups underwent a MRCP which was positive in 8 patients (7.7%), confirming the diagnosis of common bile duct stones. For these reasons we removed CBD stones using preoperative ERCP. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative ERCP and RMCP, without intraoperative cholangiography, is not associated with a significant increase in morbility/mortality associated with CBD stones before surgical treatment.