title: Percutaneous choledochoscopic biliary tract stone removal: experience in 645 consecutive patients.
abstract: Our experience in non-operative retrieval of biliary tract stones through PTCS (percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy, n = 103) and POC (post-operative choledochoscopy, n = 542) plus the use of Dormia basket and EHL (electrohydraulic lithotripsy) is presented. The results of transhepatic and T-tube routes are compared, with emphasis on the technical difficulties encountered. The success rates were 96% and 97% in POC and PTCS, respectively. No mortality was related to these procedures. Intrahepatic duct angulation and stricture were the factors most often responsible for failure. Postoperative choledochoscopic stone removal is safe and the method of choice for retained biliary tract calculi, while PTCS is highly indicated for those high-risk patients with or without previous biliary surgery. POC and PTCS have, therefore, their own indications and differ in their clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Chang Hwa, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Mo
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Yau
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Yueh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects