Objective: To investigate the efficacy and essential technical points of laparoscopic treatment for severe acute cholangitis (SAC). Methods: The clinical data of 117 patients with SAC secondary to common bile duct stones, who underwent laparoscopic treatment during January 2010 to November 2014, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: In the entire group, 110 patients (94.0%) underwent totally laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, and 7 patients required open conversion. The mean operative time was 144 min and intraoperative blood loss was 53 mL. The septic shock was exacerbated in 4 patients after operation, which improved by antishock measures, while postoperative duodenal fistula, bile leakage and intra-abdominal collection occurred in 1, 3 and 4 cases respectively, which were resolved by drainage and anti-infective treatment. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 7.2 d. Conclusion: Based on rigorous medical indications and proficient laparoscopic skill, laparoscopic therapy of SAC is safe and feasible.