Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after surgical treatment and effect of ursodeoxycholic acid intervention

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an accurate diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis and treatment option for stone removal.Additionally,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)can dissolve cholesterol stones and prevent their development and reappearance by lowering the cholesterol concen-tration in bile.Despite these treatment options,there are still patients who experience stone recurrence.The clinical data of 100 patients with choledochal stones who were hospitalized at the Yixing People’s Hospital and underwent ERCP for successful stone extraction between June 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the post-ERCP treatment plan,100 patients were classified into UDCA(n=47)and control(n=53)groups.We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and rate of relapse in the two patient populations.We then collected information(basic demographic data,clinical characteristics,and serum biochemical indicators)and determined the factors contributing to relapse using logistic regression analysis.Our secondary goal was to determine the effects of UDCA on liver function after ERCP.Compared to the control group,the UDCA group demonstrated a higher clinical effectiveness rate of 92.45%vs 78.72%(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in liver function indices,including total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and aspartate aminotransferase,between the two groups before treatment.After treatment,all liver function indices were significantly reduced.Comparing the control vs UDCA groups,the UDCA group exhibited significantly lower levels of all indices(55.39±6.53 vs 77.31±8.52,32.10±4.62 vs 45.39±5.69,142.32±14.21 vs 189.63±16.87,112.52±14.25 vs 149.36±15.36,122.61±16.00 vs 171.33±22.09,96.98±10.44 vs 121.35±11.57,respectively,all P<0.05).The stone recurrence rate was lower in the UDCA group(13.21%)in contrast with the control group(44.68%).Periampullary diverticula(OR:6.00,95%CI:1.69-21.30),maximum stone diameter(OR:1.69,95%CI:1.01-2.85),stone quantity>3(OR:4.23,95%CI:1.17-15.26),and positive bile culture(OR:7.61,95%CI:2.07-27.91)were independent factors that influenced the relapse of common bile duct stones after ERCP(P<0.05).Furthermore,postoperative UDCA was identified as a preventive factor(OR:0.07;95%CI:0.08-0.09).CONCLUSION The intervention effect of UDCA after ERCP for common bile duct stones is adequate,providing new research directions and references for the prevention and treatment of stone recurrence.

Removal of intrahepatic bile duct stone could reduce the risk of cholangiocarcinoma

Hepatolithiasis(HL)poses a significant risk for cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)development,with reported incidences ranging from 5%-13%.Risk factors include older age,smoking,hepatitis B infection,and prolonged HL duration.Chronic inflammation and mechanical stress on the biliary epithelium contribute to CCA pathogenesis.Hepatectomy reduces CCA risk by removing stones and atrophic liver segments.However,residual stones and incomplete removal increase CCA risk.Kim et al identified carbohydrate antigen 19-9,carcinoembryonic antigen,and stone laterality as CCA risk factors,reaffirming the importance of complete stone removal.Nonetheless,challenges remain in preventing CCA recurrence post-surgery.Longer-term studies are needed to elucidate CCA risk factors further.

Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones(CBDS)or choledocho-lithiasis due to advancements in instruments,surgical intervention,known as common bile duct exploration(CBDE),is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS,failed endoscopic treatment,or altered anatomy.Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes.This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy,selection indications,and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding.The selection between trans-cystic(TC)vs trans-choledochal(TD)approaches is described,along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure.Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches,including instrument selection,is also provided.Additionally,this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage,stricture,and entrapment,and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies.This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE,with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The incidence of cholelithiasis has been on the rise in recent years,but the choice of procedure is controversial.AIM To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)in patients with gallbladder stones(GS)with common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS The clinical data of 102 patients with GS combined with CBDS were selected for retrospective analysis and divided into either an LC+EPBD group(n=50)or an LC+endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)group(n=52)according to surgical methods.Surgery-related indexes,postoperative recovery,postoperative complications,and expression levels of inflammatory response indexes were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Total surgical time,stone free rate,rate of conversion to laparotomy,and successful stone extraction rate did not differ significantly between the LC+EPBD group and LC+EST group.Intraoperative hemorrhage,time to ambulation,and length of hospitalization in the LC+EPBD group were lower than those of the LC+EST group(P<0.05).The rate of total complications of the two groups was 9.80%and 17.65%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant.No serious complications occurred in either group.At 48 h postoperatively,the expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,high-sensitivity Creactive protein,and procalcitonin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).At 3 d postoperatively,the expression levels of aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,and total bilirubin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LC combined with EPBD and LC combined with EST are both effective procedures for the treatment of GS with CBDS,in which LC combined with EPBD is beneficial to shorten the patient’s hospitalization time,reduce the magnitude of elevated inflammatory response indexes,and promote postoperative recovery.

Cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through novel papillary support for small-calibre and sediment-like common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND To date,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has become a wellestablished treatment for common bile duct(CBD)stones.However,it is not suitable for some special patients,such as pregnant women,children or those who cannot stop taking anti-coagulation/anti-platelet agents because of radiation injury and the risk of postoperative bleeding resulting from endoscopic sphincterotomy.To overcome these two problems,this study introduced cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through a novel papillary support for small-calibre and sediment-like CBD stones.AIM To assess the feasibility and safety of cholangioscopy-assisted extraction through a novel papillary support(CEPTS)for small-calibre and sediment-like common bile duct(CBD)stones.METHODS This Retrospective study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chinese PLA General Hospital.We designed a covered single dumbbell-style papillary support between 2021 and 2022.Between July 2022 and September 2022,7 consecutive patients with small-calibre(cross diameter≤1.0 cm)or sediment-like CBD stones underwent CETPS procedures in our center.The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of these 7 patients were extracted from a prospectively collected database.And the related data were analyzed.Informed consent was obtained from all participating patients.RESULTS A total of 2 patients had yellow sediment-like CBD stones,and aspiration extraction was performed after the insertion of papillary support.Of the 5 patients with clumpy CBD stones(0.4-1.0 cm),2 underwent basket extraction under direct vision for a single stone(0.5-1.0 cm,black and black grey),1 underwent balloon plus aspiration extraction under direct vision for 5 stones(0.4-0.6 cm,brown),and 2 underwent aspiration extraction only for a single stone(0.5-0.6 cm,yellow,none).Technical success,namely,no residual stones in the CBD or left and right hepatic ducts,was achieved in all 7 cases(100%).The median operating time was 45.0 minutes(range 13.0–87.0 minutes).Postoperative pancreatitis(PEP)occurred in one case(14.3%).Hyperamylasaemia without abdominal pain was noted in 2 of 7 patients.No residual stones or cholangitis were found during the follow-up.CONCLUSION CETPS appeared to be feasible to treat patients with small-calibre or sediment-like CBD stones.Patients,especially pregnant women and those who cannot stop anticoagulation/anti-platelet agents,could benefit from this technique.

Asymptomatic bile duct stones:The devil is in the details

Common bile duct(CBD)stones are a common biliary tract disease.For asymp-tomatic CBD stones,stone removal by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato-graphy(ERCP)is recommended in available guidelines.Because asymptomatic CBD stones is a benign disease with no noticeable symptoms,the risk vs benefit strategy should be thoroughly considered before performing ERCP in these patients.Clinical care review,technical aspects of the procedure,and patient preferences should also be considered.

Comprehensive review on small common bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones are among the most common conditions encountered by endoscopists.Therefore,it is well researched;however,some items,such as indications for endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation(EPBD),safety of EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulant,selection strategy for retrieval balloons and baskets,lack adequate evidence.Therefore,the guidelines have been updated with new research,while others remain unchanged due to weak evidence.In this review,we comprehensively summarize the standard methods in guidelines and new findings from recent studies on papillary dilation,stone retrieval devices,difficult-to-treat cases,troubleshooting during the procedure,and complicated cases of cholangitis,cholecystolithiasis,or distal biliary stricture.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration to treat choledocholithiasis in situs inversus patients:A technical review

Situs inversus(SI)is a rare congenital condition characterized by a mirror-image transposition of the major visceral organs.Since the 1990s,more than one hundred SI patients have been reported to have successfully undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy.In these cases,the major problem is to overcome is the left-right condition for right-handed surgeons.Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE),an alternative to treat patients with bile duct stones,has shown equivalent efficacy and is less likely to cause pancreatitis than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Recent updated meta-analyses revealed that a shorter postoperative hospital stay,fewer procedural interventions,cost-effectiveness,a higher stone clearance rate,and fewer perioperative complications are additional advantages of LCBDE.However,the technique is technically demanding,even for skilled laparoscopic surgeons.Conducting LCBDE in patients with difficult situations,such as SI,is more complex than usual.We herein review published SI patients with choledocholithiasis treated by LCBDE,including our own experience,and this paper focuses on the technical aspects.

Two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones

AIM:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of twostage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones.METHODS:Four databases,including PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Science Citation Index up to September 2011,were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers.The primary outcomes were stone clearance from the common bile duct,postoperative morbidity and mortality.The secondary outcomes were conversion to other procedures,number of procedures per patient,length of hospital stay,total operative time,hospitalization charges,patient acceptance and quality of life scores.RESULTS:Seven eligible RCTs [five trials(n = 621) comparing preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)/endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) + laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) with LC + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE);two trials(n = 166) comparing postoperative ERCP/EST + LC with LC + LCBDE],composed of 787 patients in total,were included in the final analysis.The metaanalysis detected no statistically significant difference between the two groups in stone clearance from the common bile duct [risk ratios(RR) =-0.10,95% confidence intervals(CI):-0.24 to 0.04,P = 0.17],postoperative morbidity(RR = 0.79,95% CI:0.58 to 1.10,P = 0.16),mortality(RR = 2.19,95% CI:0.33 to 14.67,P = 0.42),conversion to other procedures(RR = 1.21,95% CI:0.54 to 2.70,P = 0.39),length of hospital stay(MD = 0.99,95% CI:-1.59 to 3.57,P = 0.45),total operative time(MD = 12.14,95% CI:-1.83 to 26.10,P = 0.09).Two-stage(LC + ERCP/EST) management clearly required more procedures per patient than single-stage(LC + LCBDE) management.CONCLUSION:Single-stage management is equivalent to two-stage management but requires fewer procedures.However,patient's condition,operator's expertise and local resources should be taken into account in making treatment decisions.

Various approaches of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus primary duct closure for choledocholithiasis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background： Common bile duct （CBD） stones may occur in up to 3%–14.7% of all patients with cholecystectomy.Various approaches of laparoscopic CBD exploration plus primary duct closure （PDC） are the most commonly used and the best methods to treat CBD stone. This systematic review was to comparethe effectiveness and safety of the various approaches of laparoscopic CBD exploration plus PDC forcholedocholithiasis

Percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation for simultaneous gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones:A novel technique

AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of an innovative percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation(PTEBD) technique for clearance of gallbladder stones in patients with concomitant stones in the common bile duct(CBD).METHODS The data from 17 consecutive patients who underwent PTEBD for clearance of gallbladder stones were retrospectively analyzed. After removal of the CBD stones by percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation(PTBD), the gallbladder stones were extracted to the CBD and pushed into the duodenum with a balloon after dilation of the sphincter of Oddi. Large stones were fragmented using a metallic basket. The patients were monitored for immediate adverse events including hemorrhage, perforation, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. During the two-year follow-up, they were monitored for stone recurrence, reflux cholangitis, and other longterm adverse events.RESULTS Gallbladder stones were successfully removed in 16(94.1%) patients. PTEBD was repeated in one patient. The mean hospitalization duration was 15.9 ± 2.2 d. Biliary duct infection and hemorrhage occurred in one(5.9%) patient. No severe adverse events, including pancreatitis or perforation of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract occurred. Neither gallbladder stone recurrence nor refluxing cholangitis had occurred two years after the procedure.CONCLUSION Sequential PTBD and PTEBD are safe and effective for patients with simultaneous gallbladder and CBD stones. These techniques provide a new therapeutic approach for certain subgroups of patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgery is not appropriate.

Outcome of a session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for problematic and large common bile duct stones

AIM To compare the efficacy of a session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESWL) before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) vs ERCP only for problematic and large common bile duct(CBD) stones.METHODS Adult patients with CBD stones for whom initial ERCP was unsuccessful because of the large size of CBD stones were identified. The patients were randomized into two groups,an "ESWL + ERCP group" and an "ERCP-only" group. For ESWL + ERCP cases,ESWL was performed prior to ERCP. Clearance of the CBD,complications related to the ESWL/ERCP procedure,frequency of mechanical lithotripsy use and duration of the ERCP procedure were evaluated in both groups.RESULTS There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. A session of ESWL before ERCP compared with ERCP only resulted in similar outcomes in terms of successful stone removal within the first treatment session(74.2% vs 71.0%,P = 0.135),but a higher clearance rate within the second treatment session(84.4% vs 51.6%,P = 0.018) and total stone clearance(96.0% vs 86.0%,P = 0.029). Moreover,ESWL prior to ERCP not only reduced ERCP procedure time(43 ± 21 min vs 59 ± 28 min,P = 0.034) and the rate of mechanical lithotripsy use(20% vs 30%,P = 0.025),but also raised the clearance rate of extremely large stones(80.0% vs 40.0%,P = 0.016). Post-ERCP complications were similar for the two groups.CONCLUSION Based on the higher rate of successful stone removal and minimal complications,ESWL prior to ERCP appears to be a safe and effective treatment for the endoscopic removal of problematic and large CBD stones.

Clinical usefulness of transpapillary removal of common bile duct stones by frequency doubled double pulse Nd:YAG laser

AIM: To study the efficacy and the safety of laser lithotripsy without direct visual control by using a balloon catheter in patients with bile duct stones that could not be extracted by standard technique. METHODS: The seventeen patients (7 male and 10 female; mean age 67.8 years) with difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones were not amenable for conventional endoscopic maneuvers such as sphincterotomy and mechanical lithotripsy were included in this study. Laser wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm as a double pulse were applied with pulse energy of 120 mJ. The laser fiber was advanced under fluoroscopic control through the ERCP balloon catheter. Laser lithotripsy was continued until the fragment size seemed to be less than 10 mm. Endoscopic extraction of the stones and fragments was performed with the use of the Dormia basket and balloon catheter. RESULTS: Bile duct clearance was achieved in 15 of 17 patients (88%). The mean number of treatment sessions was 1.7 ± 0.6. Endoscopic stone removal could not be achieved in 2 patients (7%). Adverse effects were noted in three patients (hemobilia, pancreatitis, and cholangitis). CONCLUSION: The Frequency Doubled Double Pulse Nd:YAG (FREDDY) laser may be an effective and safe technique in treatment of difficult bile duct stones.

Feasibility of initial endoscopic common bile duct stone removal in patients with acute cholangitis

AIM To investigate the feasibility of initial endoscopic common bile duct(CBD) stone removal in patients with acute cholangitis(AC).METHODS A single-center,retrospective study was conducted between April 2013 and December 2014 and was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at our institution.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to the procedure.The cohort comprised 31 AC patients with CBD stones who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage(EBD) for na?ve papilla within 48 h after AC onset.We retrospectively divided the participants into two groups: 19 patients with initial endoscopic CBD stone removal(initial group) and 12 patients with delayed endoscopic CBD stone removal(delayed group).We evaluated the feasibility of initial endoscopic CBD stone removal in patients with AC.RESULTS We observed no significant differences between the groups regarding patient characteristics.According to the assessments based on the Tokyo Guidelines,the AC severity of patients with initial endoscopic CBD stone removal was mild to moderate.The use of antithrombotic agents before EBD was less frequent in the initial group than in the delayed group(11% vs 58%,respectively; P = 0.004).All the patients underwent successful endoscopic CBD stone removaland adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups.The number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures was significantly lower in the initial group than in the delayed group [median(interquartile range) 1(1-1) vs 2(2-2),respectively; P < 0.001].The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter for the initial group than for the delayed group [10(9-15) vs 17(14-20),respectively; P = 0.010].CONCLUSION Initial endoscopic CBD stone removal in patients with AC may be feasible when AC severity and the use of antithrombotic agents are carefully considered.

Mechanical lithotripsy and/or stenting in management of difficult common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND:Mechanical lithotripsy and/or stent insertion is the alternative therapeutic approach in difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)case.This study was designed to investigate the appropriate treatment for extraction of bile duct stones in difficult cases of ERCP. METHODS:Between 2000 and 2008,744 ERCP procedures were performed in 592 patients with choledocholithiasis in our endoscopy unit.The demographic features,and clinical and laboratory findings were collected from a prospectively held database.Bile duct calculi were extracted by basket and/or balloon catheter following ERCP and sphincterotomy.Patients with retained stones were regarded as difficult cases.These patients were treated with mechanical lithotripsy and those with incomplete clearance of stones underwent stent placement. RESULTS:Two hundred and forty-five patients(41%) were male and 347(59%)were female with a mean age of 58 years(range 19-95 years).Stones were impacted in 27 patients(5%).Stone extraction was performed by basket and/or balloon catheter in 610 ERCP procedures,and lithotripsy was performed in 70 ERCP procedures.Forty- four patients underwent stent insertion,and 20 underwent stent replacement.Morbidity occurred in 39 patients (5%),with no mortality associated with the procedure.Hemorrhage occurred in 9 patients and basket impaction in 4.Mild pancreatitis and cholangitis developed in 12 and 11 patients,respectively. CONCLUSION:Difficult cases of bile duct stones can be treated successfully with lithotripsy,and a stent should be applied when the common bile duct cannot be cleared completely.

Poorly expandable common bile duct with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

AIM： To describe characteristics of a poorly expandable （PE） common bile duct （CBD） with stones on en- doscopic retrograde cholangiography.METHODS： APE bile duct was characterized by a rigid and relatively narrowed distal CBD with retro- grade dilatation of the non-PE segment. Between 2003 and 2006, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography （ERC） images and chart reviews of 1213 patients with newly diagnosed CBD stones were obtained from the computer database of Therapeutic Endoscopic Centerin Chang Gung Memoria acteristic PE bile duct on Hospital. Patients with char ERC were identified from the database. Data of the patients as well as the safety and technical success of therapeutic ERC were collected and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS： A total of 30 patients with CBD stones and characteristic PE segments were enrolled in this study. The median patient age was 45 years （range, 20 to 92 years）; 66.7% of the patients were men. The di ameters of the widest non-PE CBD segment, the PE segment, and the largest stone were 14.3 ± 4.9 mm, 5.8±1.6 mm, and 11.2±4.7 mm, respectively. The length of the PE segment was 39.7±15.4 mm （range, 12.3 mm to 70.9 mm）. To remove the CBD stone（s） completely, mechanical lithotripsy was required in 25 （83.3%） patients even though the stone size was not as large as were the difficult stones that have been described in the literature. The stone size and stone/ PE segment diameter ratio were associated with the need for lithotripsy. Post-ERC complications occurred in 4 cases： pancreatitis in 1, cholangitis in 2, and an im- pacted Dormia basket with cholangitis in 1. Two （6.7%） of the 28 patients developed recurrent CBD stones at follow-up （50±14 mo） and were successfully managed with therapeutic ERC.CONCLUSION： Patients with a PE duct frequently require mechanical lithotripsy for stones extraction, To retrieve stones successfully and avoid complications, these patients should be identified during ERC,

Laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy combined with fiber choledochoscopic exploration of the common bile duct and traditional open operation

AIM: To investigate the possibilities and advantages of laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy combined with fiber choledochoscopic exploration of the common bile duct compaired with traditional open operation.METHODS: Laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy combined with fiber choledochoscopic exploration of the common bile duct and traditional open operation were performed in two groups of patients who had gallstones in the left lobe of liver and in the common bile duct. The hospitalization time, hospitalization costs, operation time, operative complications and post-operative liver functions of the two groups of patients were studied.RESULTS: The operation time and post-operative liver functions of the two groups of patients had no significant differences, while the hospitalization time, hospitalization costs and operative complications of the laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy combined with fiber choledochoscopic exploration in the common bile duct group were significantly lower than those in the traditional open operation group.CONCLUSION: For patients with gallstones in the left lobe of liver and in the common bile duct, laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy combined with fiber choledochoscopic exploration of the common bile duct can significantly shorten the hospitalization time, reduce the hospitalization costs and the post-operative complications,without prolonging the operation time and bringing about more liver function damages compared with traditional open operation. This kind of operation has more advantages than traditional open operation.

Possible relationship between cholecystectomy and subsequent occurrence of primary common bile duct stones:a retrospective review of data

BACKGROUND: Most reports on the prognosis of cholecystectomy have been short-term studied, and few long-term reports have suggested variable incidences of common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the data to find the possible association between cholecystectomy and the subsequent occurrence of primary common bile duct stones. METHODS: The data were reviewed retrospectively of 478 patients with primary common bile duct stones diagnosed and treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy at our hospitals between January 1994 and December 2003. RESULTS: Sixty-one (14.1%) of the 432 patients had a history of cholecystectomy, with an incidence rate markedly higher than that in the general population. The mean interval between cholecystectomy and the occurrence of primary common bile duct stones was 8.23 years, with the longest being 28 years and the shortest 2 years. Compared with the patients who had not undergone a prior cholecystectomy, those who had had a prior cholecystectomy more often accompanied with acute cholangiolitis (chi(2)=8.259, P<0.01), and multiple stones or sand-like stones were frequently found (chi(2)= 9.030, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible relationship between cholecystectomy and the subsequent occurrence of primary common bile duct stones. Perhaps patients with primary common bile duct stones who have had a prior cholecystectomy have a higher probability of infection of the biliary system. The infection may be one of the causes of occurrence of primary common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for the removal of bile duct stones: Data from a “real-life” multicenter study on Dilation-Assisted Stone Extraction

AIM To report data on Dilation-Assisted Stone Extraction(DASE) use in clinical practice and its efficacy and safety trough three Italian referral centers for biliopancreatic diseases treatment. METHODS From January 2011 to December 2015 we collected data on 120 patients treated with DASE. Technical success was obtained when the endoscopist was able to place the balloon trough the papilla inflating the balloon until the final diameter for an adequate time(at least 30 s). Clinical success was obtained after complete stone removal(no remaining stones were visible at the cholangiogram).RESULTS Forty-nine male(40.8%) and 71 female(59%) were enrolled. The mean age was 67.8 years ± 15.7. The mean common bile duct(CBD) dilation was 19.2 mm± 3.9 and the mean size of stones 15.8 ± 2.9. DASE was applied as first approach in 38%(62% after initial failure of stones extraction). Technical and clinical success was of 91% and 87% respectively. In those in which DASE failed alternative treatment were adopted. After DASE 18% of patients experienced a complication(bleeding 9%, pancreatitis 8%, perforation 0.8%). At univariable analysis, elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(P = 0.031), DASE as first approach(P = 0.032), and cannulation of major papilla followed by guidewire insertion(P = 0.004) were related to low risk of complications. Pre-cut was related to an increased risk of complications(P = 0.01). CONCLUSION DASE allowed a higher first-session success rate and can be consider a valid alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy not only for bigger CBD stones.

Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and rendezvous nasal endoscopic cholangiography for common bile duct stone: A case report

BACKGROUND In patients with large stones in the common bile duct(CBD),advanced treatment modalities are generally needed.Here,we present an interesting case of a huge CBD stone treated with electrohydraulic lithotripsy(EHL)by the percutaneous approach and rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC)using a nasal endoscope.CASE SUMMARY A 91-year-old woman underwent ERC for a symptomatic large CBD stone with a diameter of 50 mm.She was referred to our institution after the failure of lithotomy by ERC,and after undergoing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.We attempted to fragment the stone by transhepatic cholangioscopy using EHL.However,the stones were too large and partly soft clay-like for lithotripsy.Next,we attempted lithotomy with ERC and cholangioscopy by the rendezvous technique using a nasal endoscope and achieved complete lithotomy.No complication was observed at the end of this procedure.CONCLUSION Cholangioscopy by rendezvous technique using a nasal endoscope is a feasible and safe endoscopic method for removing huge CBD stones.