title: The Use of a Hemostasis Introducer for Percutaneous Extraction of Bile Duct Stones.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Choledocholithiasis is defined as presence of at least one gallstone in the bile duct. Those bile duct stones (BDS) usually are extracted by ERCP. In case the bile duct is not accessible endoscopically (e.g. after major abdominal surgery), PTCD has to be performed. Extraction of the stones via PTCD has several risks as are hemorrhage, pancreatitis and injuries of the liver tissue.
  
  
  METHODS
  We here report about our experience with a significant modification of this technique by use of a 13-french hemostasis introducer as a sheath to track the transhepatic access to the bile ducts in order to reduce time and risk.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three patients were treated by use of the reported modification. In all cases, the stones were successfully removable without complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We demonstrate that the use of a hemostasis introducer for percutaneous extraction of common bile duct stones seems to be promising in terms of shortening hospital stay and increasing patient safety.
authors: Department of Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Juergen
authors: J
authors: Feisthammel
authors: Department of Radiology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Micheal
authors: M
authors: Moche
authors: Department of Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Joachim
authors: J
authors: Mossner
authors: Department of Medicine, Neurology and Dermatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Albrecht
authors: A
authors: Hoffmeister
keywords: Choledocholithiasis; Common bile duct stones; ERCP; PTCD; Stone extraction