Washout of small stones in the bile duct by saline infusion using a side-holed balloon catheter in patients undergoing endoscopic papillary balloon dilation.
BACKGROUND
Complete bile duct clearance of stones should be achieved in patients managed with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation. However, complete retrieval of small stones or tiny fragments sometimes proves difficult using conventional devices.


METHODS
We attempted the removal of fine stone fragments by saline infusion using a specially designed retrieval balloon catheter with a blind tip and a side hole located proximal to the balloon in 14 patients.


RESULTS
Using this technique, bile duct clearance was achieved in a single attempt in 13 of 14 patients; 2 attempts were required in 1 patient. Cholecystitis occurred in 2 patients with gallstones in situ after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Saline washout using a side-holed retrieval balloon catheter effectively cleans stones and stone fragments from the bile duct in patients treated with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation.
Komatsu
Y
Y
Department of Internal Medicine (II), Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Toda
N
N
Isayama
H
H
Tsujino
T
T
Tateishi
K
K
Yamagata
M
M
Ohashi
M
M
Tada
M
M
Yoshida
H
H
Shiratori
Y
Y
Kawabe
T
T
Omata
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D019160:Endosonography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009803:Sphincter of Oddi; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012965:Sodium Chloride