Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy for bile duct stones.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy in combination with intracorporeal electrohydraulic lithotripsy was successfully applied in 3 patients with biliary tract stones which could not be removed by endoscopic techniques. In a fourth patient, cholangioscopy was used as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of a right hepatic duct stenosis above a hepatico-jejunostomy. The percutaneous transhepatic tract was dilated up to an 18-French size over a period of 1 week. Maturation of the tract was then awaited for another week before cholangioscopic procedures were started. The only complication noticed consisted of haemobilia that occurred in 1 patient after introduction of the initial percutaneous external-internal drainage catheter. Percutaneous cholangioscopy is a promising new technique in our diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in patients with complex biliary tract disorders.
Van Steenbergen
W
W
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Van Aken
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome