Cholangioscopy: where are we now?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to provide an update on current technologies and clinical indications for cholangioscopy. The review also focuses on techniques, challenges and limitations of available devices.


RESULTS
Recent technological advances such as the introduction into clinical practice of video cholangioscopes as well as a single-operator semidisposable per oral cholangioscope are described. Novel clinical applications of cholangioscopy are also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The past several years have witnessed the emergence of new technologies, including video and semidisposable cholangioscopes, which have increased the availability and utilization of cholangioscopes. Although the most common indications for this technique remain investigation of indeterminate cholangiographic findings and management of large bile duct stones, technological advances in the devices and available accessories will invariably lead to expanded indications in the future.
Ross
Andrew S
AS
Digestive Disease Institute, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98111, USA. andrew.ross@vmmc.org
Kozarek
Richard A
RA
D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000473:pathology*; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000379:methods*; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results