胆管腔内超声、内镜逆行胰胆管造影、磁共振胰胆管成像与超声诊断胆总管结石的对比研究

目的比较超声、磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)、内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)及胆管腔内超声(IDUS)对胆总管结石的诊断效能。资料与方法回顾性选取2014年5月—2020年12月广西医科大学附属柳州市人民医院临床怀疑胆总管结石患者213例,行腹部超声、MRCP,再行ERCP,同时行IDUS,确诊依靠ERCP。采用受试者工作特征曲线分析4种检查诊断胆总管结石的效能。结果213例患者中,腹部超声诊断胆总管结石128例,敏感度、特异度分别为68.82%、73.81%;MRCP诊断胆总管结石171例,敏感度、特异度分别为82.45%、61.90%;ERCP诊断胆总管结石177例,敏感度、特异度分别为87.06%、64.29%;IDUS诊断结石170例,敏感度、特异度均为100%,在IDUS操作过程中无并发症出现。超声、MRCP、ERCP诊断胆总管结石的受试者工作特征曲线下面积分别为0.713、0.721、0.746,3种检查方法的诊断效能差异有统计学意义(Z=7.416,P<0.05)。结论IDUS诊断胆总管结石的效能优于腹部超声、MRCP及ERCP,且IDUS操作安全,未增加ERCP的并发症。

ERCP治疗胆总结石的临床治疗观察

对ERCP治疗胆总结石的临床疗效进行分析。方法:以随机法将40例胆总结石患者分为对照组与实验组,时间在2017年1月至2019年12月,对照组予以传统手术,实验组予以ERCP术,比较治疗效果。结果:实验组住院时间、肝门排气时间、下床活动时间、IL-6水平、IL-10水平、CRP水平均优于对照组,P<0.05。结论:ERCP治疗胆总结石疗效较好,可作为首选治疗方案。

Surgical treatment of the biliary ductal stricture complicating localized left hepatolithiasis

AIM To summarize the experience in the clinical treatment of the biliary ductal strictures complicating localized left hepatolithiasis in recent two decades.

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.

Management of pancreaticobiliary disease using a new intra-ductal endoscope:The Texas experience

AIM:To evaluate a new single-operator mini-endoscope, Spyglass,for its performance,feasibility and safety in the management of pancreaticobiliary disease. METHODS:In a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients undergoing intraductal endoscopy,we evaluated 128 patients(71 men,mean age 57.6 years).Indications were therapeutic(TX)in 72(56%) and diagnostic(DX)in 56(44%). RESULTS:Peroral endoscopy was performed in 121 and percutaneous in seven.TX indications included CBD stones in 41,PD stones in six,and biliary strictures in 25.DX indications included abnormal LFT’s in 15, abnormal imaging in 38 and cholangiocarcinoma staging in three.Visualization of the stone(s)was considered good in 31,fair in six,and poor in four. Advancement of the electrohydraulic lithotripsy probe was not possible in three patients and proper targeting of the lesion was partial in four patients.A holmium laser was used successfully in three patients.Ductal clearance was achieved in 37 patients after one procedure and in four patients after two procedures.Diagnosis of biliary strictures was modified in 20/29 and confirmed to be malignant in 10/23.Of the modified patients,no diagnosis was available in 17.Spyglass demonstrated malignancy in 8/17 and non-malignancy in nine.Suspected pathology by imaging studies and abnormal LFT’s was modified in 43/63(66%).Staging of cholangiocarcinoma demonstrated multicentric cholangiocarcinoma in 2/3.There was no morbidity associated with the use of Spyglass. CONCLUSION:Spyglass Spyscopeis a first generation, single operator miniature endoscope that can evaluate and treat various biliary and pancreatic tract diseases.

Reoperation of biliary tract by laparoscopy:Experiences with 39 cases

AIM:To evaluate the safety and feasibility of biliary tract reoperation by laparoscopy for the patients with retained or recurrent stones who failed in endoscopic sphincterotomy. METHODS:A retrospective analysis of data obtained from attempted laparoscopic reoperation for 39 patients in a single institution was performed, examining open conversion rates, operative times, complications, and hospital stay. RESULTS:Out of the 39 cases, 38 (97%) completed laparoscopy, 1 required conversion to open operation because of difficulty in exposing the common bile duct. The mean operative time was 135 min. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 4 d. Procedures included laparoscopic residual gallbladder resection in 3 cases, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and primary duct closure at choledochotomy in 13 cases, and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and choledochotomy with T tube drainage in 22 cases. Duodenal perforation occurred in 1 case during dissection and was repaired laparoscopically. Retained stones were found in 2 cases. Postoperative asymptomatic hyperamlasemia occurred in 3 cases. There were no complications due to port placement, postoperative bleeding, bile or bowel leakage and mortality. No recurrence or formation of duct stricture was observed during a mean follow-up period of 18 mo. CONCLUSION:Laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation is safe and feasible if it is performed by experiencedlaparoscopic surgeons, and is an alternative choice for patients with choledocholithiasis who fail in endoscopic sphincterectomy.

Does the bile duct angulation affect recurrence of choledocholithiasis?

AIM:To investigate whether bile duct angulation and T-tube choledochostomy influence the recurrence of choledocholithiasis.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective study including 259 patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy and cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis between 2000 and 2007.The imaginary line was drawn along the center of the bile duct and each internal angle was measured at the two angulation sites ofthe bile duct respectively.The values of both angles were added together.We then tested our hypothesis by examining whether T-tube choledochostomy was performed and stone recurrence occurred by reviewing each subject's medical records.RESULTS:The overall recurrence rate was 9.3% (24 of 259 patients).The mean value of sums of angles in the recurrence group was 268.3°± 29.6°,while that in the non-recurrence group was 314.8°± 19.9° (P < 0.05).Recurrence rate of the T-tube group was 15.9% (17 of 107),while that of the non T-tube group was 4.6% (7 of 152) (P < 0.05).Mean value of sums of angles after T-tube drainage was 262.5°± 24.6° and that before T-tube drainage was 298.0°± 23.9° in 22 patients (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The bile duct angulation and T-tube choledochostomy may be risk factors of recurrence of bile duct stones.

How can portal vein cavernous transformation cause chronic incomplete biliary obstruction?

Biliary disease in the setting of non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis(and similarly in portal vein cavernous transformation) can become a serious problem during the evolution of disease.This is mostly due to portal biliary ductopathy.There are several mechanisms that play a role in the development of portal biliary ductopathy,such as induction of fibrosis in the biliary tract(due to direct action of dilated peribiliary collaterals and/or recurrent cholangitis),loss of biliary motility,chronic cholestasis(due to fibrosis or choledocholithiasis) and increased formation of cholelithiasis(due to various factors).The management of cholelithiasis in cases with portal vein cavernous transformation merits special attention.Because of a heterogeneous clinical presentation and concomitant pathophysiological changes that take place in biliary anatomy,diagnosis and therapy can become very complicated.Due to increased incidence and complications of cholelithiasis,standard treatment modalities like sphincterotomy or balloon sweeping of bile ducts can cause serious problems.Cholangitis,biliary strictures and hemobilia are the most common complications that occur during management of these patients.In this review,we specifically discuss important issues about bile stones related to bile duct obstruction in non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis and present evidence in the current literature.

Risk factors for hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A case-control study in China

AIM:To study the association between hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HC) and pre-existing medical conditions. METHODS:Three hundred and thirteen HC patients admitted to the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital(Shanghai,China) in 2000-2005 and 608 healthy controls were enrolled in this study.Association between HC and pre-existing medical conditions was studied with their adjusted odds ratio(OR) calculated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:The prevalence of choledocholithiasis(adjusted OR=2.704,P=0.039) ,hepatolithiasis(adjusted OR=3.278,P=0.018) ,cholecystolithiasis(adjusted OR =4.499,P<0.0001) ,cholecystectomy(adjusted OR =7.012,P=0.004) ,biliary ascariasis(adjusted OR= 7.188,P=0.001) ,liver fluke(adjusted OR=10.088,P =0.042) and liver schistosomiasis(adjusted OR=9.913,P=0.001) was higher in HC patients than in healthy controls. CONCLUSION:Biliary tract stone disease(choledocho-lithiasis,hepatolithiasis,cholecystolithiasis) and parasitic liver disease(biliary ascariasis,liver fluke,liver schistosomiasis) are the risk factors for HC in Chinese population.

Acute transient hepatocellular injury in cholelithiasis and cholecystitis without evidence of choledocholithiasis

AIM： To investigate acute transient hepatocellular injury in patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis but no evidence of choledocholithiasis.METHODS： The medical records of patients with cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy between July 2003 and June 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging studies to detect common bile duct （CBD） stones were performed in 186 patients, who constituted the study population. Biochemical liver tests before and after surgery, and with the presence or absence of CBD stones were analyzed.RESULTS： In 96 patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis without evidence of CBD stones, 49 （51.0%） had an alanine aminotransferase level elevated to 2-3 times the upper limit of normal, and 40 （41.2%） had an elevated aspartate aminotransferase level. Similar manifestations of hepatocellular injury were, as would be expected, even more obvious in the 90 patients with CBD stones. These markers of hepatocellular injury resolved almost completely within 2 wk to 1 mo after cholecystectomy. Compared to 59 patients with histologically less severe cholecystitisin the group undergoing urgent surgery （total 74 patients）, the 15 patients with a gangrenous gallbladder had a higher mean level of total bilirubin （2.14 ± 1.27 mg/dL vs 2.66 ± 2.97 mg/dL, P 〈 0.001） and white cell count （9480 ± 4681/μL vs 12840 ± 5273/μL, P = 0.018）.CONCLUSION： Acute hepatocellular injury in cholelithiasis and cholecystitis without choledocholithiasis is mild and transient. Hyperbilirubinemia and leukocytosis may predict severe inflammatory changes in the gallbladder.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic and large common bile duct stones

Extraction of large pancreatic and common bile duct(CBD)calculi has always challenged the therapeutic endoscopist.Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy(ESWL)is an excellent tool for patients with large pancreatic and CBD calculi that are not amenable to routine endotherapy.Pancreatic calculi in the head and body are targeted by ESWL,with an aim to fragment them to<3 mm diameter so that they can be extracted by subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography(ERCP).In our experience,complete clearance of the pancreatic duct was achieved in 76% and partial clearance in 17%of 1006 patients.Short-term pain relief with reduction in the number of analgesics ingested was seen in 84%of these patients.For large CBD calculi,a nasobiliary tube is placed to help target the calculi,as well as bathe the calculi in salinea simple maneuver which helps to facilitate fragmenta-tion.The aim is to fragment calculi to<5 mm size and clear the same during ERCP.Complete clearance of the CBD was achieved in 84.4%of and partial clearance in 12.3%of 283 patients.More than 90%of the patients with pancreatic and biliary calculi needed three or fewer sessions of ESWL with 5000 shocks being de-livered at each session.The use of epidural anesthesia helped in reducing patient movement.This,together with the better focus achieved with newer third-gen-eration lithotripters,prevents collateral tissue damage and minimizes the complications.Complications in our experience with nearly 1300 patients were minimal,and no extension of hospital stay was required.Similar rates of clearance of pancreatic and biliary calculi with minimal adverse effects have been reported from the centers where ESWL is performed regularly.In view of its high efficiency,non-invasive nature and low complication rates,ESWL can be offered as the first-line therapy for selected patients with large pancreatic and CBD calculi.

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare event in pregnancy, occurring in approximately 3 in 10 000 pregnancies. The spectrum of AP in pregnancy ranges from mild pancreatitis to serious pancreatitis associated with necrosis, abscesses, pseudocysts and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. Pregnancy related hematological and biochemical alterations infl uence the interpretation of diagnostic tests and assessment of severity of AP. As in any other disease associated with pregnancy, AP is associated with greater concerns as it deals with two lives rather than just one as in the non-pregnant population. The recent advances in clinical gastroenterology have improved the early diagnosis and effective management of biliary pancreatitis. Diagnostic studies such as endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and therapeutic modalities that include endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary stenting, common bile duct stone extraction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy are major milestones in gastroenterology. When properly managed AP in pregnancy does not carry a dismal prognosis as in the past.

Failed biliary cannulation: Clinical and technical outcomes after tertiary referral endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM: Prospective evaluation of repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for failed Schutz grade 1 biliary cannulation in a high-volume center. METHODS: Prospective intention-to-treat analysis of patients referred for biliary cannulation following recent unsuccessful ERCP. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (35 female; mean age: 62.5 years; age range: 40-87 years) with previous failed biliary cannulation were referred for repeat ERCP. The indication for ERCP was primarily choledocholithiasis (45%) or pancreatic malignancy (18%). Successful biliary can- nulation was 100%. The precut needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS) rate was 27.4%. Complications occurred in 3.9% (post-ERCP pancreatitis). An identif iable reason for initial unsuccessful biliary cannulation was present in 55% of cases. Compared to a cohort of 940 nave pa-pilla patients (female 61%; mean age: 59.9 years; age range: 18-94 years) who required sphincterotomy over the same time period, there was no statistical difference in the cannulation success rate (100% vs 98%) or postERCP pancreatitis (3.1% vs 3.9%). Precut NKS use was more frequent (27.4% vs 12.7%) (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Referral to a high-volume center following unsuccessful ERCP is associated with high technical success, with a favorable complication rate, compared to routine ERCP procedures.

Giant choledocholithiasis treated by mechanical lithotripsy using a gastric bezoar basket

Mechanical lithotripsy （ML） is usually considered as a standard treatment option for large bile duct stones. However, it is impossible to retrieve oversized stones because the conventional lithotripsy basket may not be able to grasp the stone. However, there is no es- tablished endoscopic extraction method for such gi- ant stone removal. We describe a case of successful extraction of a 4-cm large stone using a gastric bezoar basket. A 78-year-old woman had suffered from upper abdominal pain for 20 d. Contrast-enhanced computed tomogram revealed a 4-cm single stone in the distal common bile duct （CBD）. Endoscopic stone retraction was decided upon and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation was performed using a large balloon. An at- tempt to capture the stone using a standard lithotripsy basket failed due to the large stone size. Subsequently, we used a gastric bezoar basket to successfully capturethe stone. The stone was fragmented into small pieces and extracted. The stone was completely removed after two sessions of endoscopic retrograde cholangio- pancreatography; each of which took 30 rain. No com- plications occurred during or after the procedure. The patient was fully recovered and discharged on day 11 of hospitalization. ML using a gastric bezoar basket is a safe and effective retrieval method in select cases, and is considered as an alternative nonoperative option for the management of difficult CBD stones.

Selective sphincteroplasty of the papilla in cases at risk due to atypical anatomy

AIM： To analyze the indications, efficacy and safety of sphincteroplasty in our centre.METHODS： A retrospective study of sphincteroplasty in 53 cases of papilla at high risk was performed in 2004-2006. The procedure consisted of duodenoscopy with Olympus TJF 145 Videoduodenoscope, approach to the biliary tract using a catheter with a guidewire, and dilatation of the papilla with a dilatation balloon catheter using a syringe with a manometer for control of the filling pressure.RESULTS： The indications included intradiverticular papilla in 26 patients （49%）, stenosis of a previous sphincterotomy in 19 patients （35.8%）, small size of the papilla in 4 patients （7.5%）, Billroth R gastrectomy in 3 patients （5.6%）, and coagulopathy in one patient （1.9%）. The efficacy was 97.8%, with all the calculi extracted from the common bile duct in 84.4% of the patients, even though 21 of the patients （39.6%） had calculi with a diameter equal to or greater than 10 ram. Seven patients （13.2%） presented complications： haemorrhage in 1 patient （1.9%） and mild pancreatitis in 6 patients （11.3%）. The mean hospital stay in case of complications was of 3 ± 0.63 d.CONCLUSION： Sphincteroplasty is highly effective, with a compllcation rate similar to that of sphincterotomy, furthermore, the complications are of low clinical importance. The use of the 10 mm balloon makes it possible to extract calculi with a diameter of over 15 mm and to extract more than 3 calculi without increasing the rate of complications and reduces the need to resort to lithotripsy or rescue sphincterotomy.

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,

Clostridium perfringens bacteremia caused by choledocholithiasis in the absence of gallbladder stones

A 67-years-old male presented with periumbilical abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. His anaerobic blood culture was positive for clostridium perfringens. Computed tomogram scan of the abdomen and abdominal ultrasound showed normal gallbladder and common bile duct (CBD). Subsequently magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticogram showed choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticogram-with sphincterotomy and CBD stone extraction was performed. The patient progressively improved with antibiotic therapy Choledocholithiasis should be considered as a source of clostridium perfringens bacteremia especially in the setting of elevated liver enzymes with cholestatic pattern.

Role of ERCP in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the evaluation of choledocholithiasis in sickle cell anemia

AIM:To evaluate the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS:Two hundred and twenty four patients (144 male,80 female; mean age,22.4 years; range,5-70 years) with SCA underwent ERCP as part of their evaluation for cholestatic jaundice (CJ). The indications for ERCP were:CJ only in 97,CJ and dilated bile ducts on ultrasound in 103,and CJ and common bile duct (CBD) stones on ultrasound in 42. RESULTS:In total,CBD stones were found in 88 (39.3%) patients and there was evidence of recent stone passage in 16. Fifteen were post-LC patients. These had endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. The remaining 73 had endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction followed by LC without an intraoperative cholangiogram.CONCLUSION:In patients with SCA and cholelithiasis,ERCP is valuable whether preoperative or postoperative,and in none was there a need to perform intraoperative cholangiography. Sequential endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction followed by LC is beneficial in these patients. Endoscopic sphincterotomy may also prove to be useful in these patients as it may prevent the future development of biliary sludge and bile duct stones.

Efficacy of intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of non-opaque choledocholith

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) in the diagnosis of non-opaque, common bile duct stones. METHODS: A total of 183 patients (102 males, mean age 73 years; 81 females, mean age 70 years) with suspected common bile duct stones diagnosed through abdominal computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and abdominal Type-B ultrasound were included in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by IDUS. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones were included in the study as follows: 36 patients with high-density CBD stones, 68 patients with sand-like stones, 44 patients with low-density stones, 21 patients with ampullary cancer, and 14 patients with pancreatic cancer. Conventional imaging revealed 124 cases of choledochectasia, and only 36 cases of suspected CBD stones; ERCP revealed 145 cases of CBD stones with three missed diagnoses. IDUS revealed 148 cases of CBD stones, 21 cases of ampullary tumors, and 14 cases of pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: IDUS was more effective in the diagnosis of bile duct stones than ERCP, upper abdominal CT or upper abdominal MRI.

Liver fibrosis caused by choledocholith to regress after biliary drainage

AIM: To study the correlation between liver flbrosis severity and biliary drainage in patients with choledocholith. METHODS: A follow-up study on seven patients with liver fibrosis due to choledocholith was made. The data, including biochemical tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) and liver histological features before and after biliary drainage, were collected and studied. The fibrosis severity was scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with 0 denoting none, 1 portal and periportal fibrosis, 2 the presence of numerous fiber septa, and 3 cirrhosis. The average liver fibrosis severity scores of the first and second biopsy were compared with statistical method. RESULTS: The first, second liver fibrosis severity scores of these seven patients were 2,1; 2,1; 1,0; 1,1; 2,1; 2,1; 1,0 respectively. The results showed that the average liver fibrosis severity score of the second liver biopsy decreased significantly compared with the first liver biopsy (n=7,t=4.25,P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Liver fibrosis due to choledocholith may regress after biliary drainage.