A technique for removal of difficult stones of the common duct using the choledochoscope and biliary Fogarty catheter.
In our experience with several difficult instances, stones have been successfully retrieved where traditional methods had failed. The importance of this technique lies not only in less perioperative morbidity and frustration than when blind instrumentation is used, but also obviates the need for duodenotomy and sphincteroplasty.
D002404:Catheterization; D003135:Common Bile Duct; D004724:Endoscopy; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods