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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018221
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Transcholecystic Endoscopic Choledocholithotripsy: Successful Management of Retained Common Bile Duct Stone
Publication History
Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)
Summary
Removal of large common bile duct stones has been a continuing challenge. The feasibility and efficacy of transcholecystic endoscopic choledocholithotripsy in a high-risk patient are demonstrated in this report. The procedure requires an established cholecystostomy track, catheter dilatation of the cystic duct, and the application of electrohydraulic shock waves to the calculus. The use of a choledochofiberscope permits the passage of the electrohydraulic probe and minimizes complications by direct monitoring. Stone fragments are removed by basket retrieval. This procedure in conjunction with minicholecystostomy may obviate the need for surgery in selected high-risk patients with combined gallbladder and common bile duct stones.
Key words:
Transcholecystic choledocholithotripsy