title: Endoscopy Lithotomy for Intrahepatic Gallstones: A Meta-Analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endoscopy lithotomy (percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy or through a T-tube track) has become a well-established treatment for intrahepatic gallstones. However, the relationship between strictures and the results of this treatment is still controversial.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, clinicaltrails, CBM, and Google scholar systematically for all articles. The rate of complete clearance, the recurrence rate, and major complications were analyzed. A meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen studies were included. In patients with intrahepatic duct stricture, the rate of complete clearance was significantly lower, but the rate of recurrence was significantly higher. The morbidity rate of major complications was significantly lower in complete stone removal patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intrahepatic biliary stricture is a major cause of treatment failure for intrahepatic stones and stone recurrence. To prevent recurrent cholangitis or cholangiocarcinoma, complete removal of intrahepatic gallstones is very important.
authors: *Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan †Department of General Surgery, Qingdao Hiser Hospital ‡Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
authors: Shumin
authors: S
authors: Ma
authors: Sanyuan
authors: S
authors: Hu
authors: Feng
authors: F
authors: Gao
authors: Rui
authors: R
authors: Liang
mesh_terms: D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / Q000601:surgery*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*