title: Endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the gallbladder: direct dissolution of gallstones.
abstract: Percutaneous transhepatic catheterization of the gallbladder for dissolution of cholesterol stones by instillation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is an invasive therapeutic procedure. The only non-invasive alternative available to now, endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the cystic duct, was difficult because of the cystic duct's tortuosity and spiral valves. We therefore developed a catheter system which, using conventional duodenoscopes during a routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) procedure, permits reliable and safe catheterization of the gallbladder without the need for endoscopic sphincterotomy. In 18 of 22 patients (82%) we were able to place a cysto-nasal catheter, and in 14 patients MTBE dissolution therapy was then performed. Eight patients (57%) were completely free of stones after treatment; the other six (43%) had residual debris. In 4 of 22 patients (18%) cannulation attempts failed, in 3 patients due to cystic duct blockage by a calculus. Endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the gallbladder (ERCG) represents a promising alternative to the invasive percutaneous transhepatic catheterization procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine I, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Foerster
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Matek
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Domschke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods; D004987:Ethers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D004987:Ethers; D008738:Methyl Ethers; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether