title: Biliary endoprostheses for the management of retained common bile duct stones.
abstract: Stone retention after duodenoscopic sphincterotomy may occur despite an adequate and well-performed sphincterotomy. We have identified factors contributing to stone retention in 26 patients. In 22 of these patients, the stones have been effectively managed with a biliary endoprosthesis in a manner which traps the stone proximally and maintains patency of the biliary tree. No complications were noted with this form of management for periods ranging form 3-36 months. When circumstances preclude removal of bile duct stones after duodenoscopic sphincterotomy, a biliary endoprosthesis offers a safe, effective means of stone management.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001659:Biliary Tract; D004384:Duodenoscopy; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D009803:Sphincter of Oddi / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors