Summary
After endoscopic papillotomy, the extraction of large stones is often very difficult.
In numerous cases, it proves impossible to remove large concretions using conventional
methods. On account of technical problems, electro-hydraulic lithotripsy was unable
to fulfill all the hopes placed in it. A possible alternative method is that of mechanical
lithotripsy. Initial clinical experience gained in 8 patients with large stones in
the common bile duct, has shown that, with the aid of this technically simple procedure,
it is possible to extract such large concretions, too.
Key words:
Bile duct stones - Endsocopic papillotomy - Mechanical lithotripsy
