Role of variation coefficient of stone density in determining success of shock wave lithotripsy in urinary calculi

BACKGROUND Various stone factors can affect the net results of shock wave lithotripsy(SWL).Recently a new factor called variation coefficient of stone density(VCSD)is being considered to have an impact on stone free rates.AIM To assess the role of VCSD in determining success of SWL in urinary calculi.METHODS Charts review was utilized for collection of data variables.The patients were subjected to SWL,using an electromagnetic lithotripter.Mean stone density(MSD),stone heterogeneity index(SHI),and VCSD were calculated by generating regions of interest on computed tomography(CT)images.Role of these factors were determined by applying the relevant statistical tests for continuous and categorical variables and a P value of<0.05 was gauged to be statistically significant.RESULTS There were a total of 407 patients included in the analysis.The mean age of the subjects in this study was 38.89±14.61 years.In total,165 out of the 407 patients could not achieve stone free status.The successful group had a significantly lower stone volume as compared to the unsuccessful group(P<0.0001).Skin to stone distance was not dissimilar among the two groups(P=0.47).MSD was significantly lower in the successful group(P<0.0001).SHI and VCSD were both significantly higher in the successful group(P<0.0001).CONCLUSION VCSD,a useful CT based parameter,can be utilized to gauge stone fragility and hence the prediction of SWL outcomes.

Three-dimensional visualization technology for guiding one-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy for the treatment of complex hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND Biliary stone disease is a highly prevalent condition and a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide.Hepatolithiasis with associated strictures has high residual and recurrence rates after traditional multisession percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy(PTCSL).AIM To study one-step PTCSL using the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation(PTOBF)technique guided by three-dimensional(3D)visualization.METHODS This was a retrospective,single-center study analyzing,140 patients who,between October 2016 and October 2023,underwent one-step PTCSL for hepatolithiasis.The patients were divided into two groups:The 3D-PTOBF group and the PTOBF group.Stone clearance on choledochoscopy,complications,and long-term clearance and recurrence rates were assessed.RESULTS Age,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,Child-Pugh class,and stone location were similar between the 2 groups,but there was a significant difference in bile duct strictures,with biliary strictures more common in the 3D-PTOBF group(P=0.001).The median follow-up time was 55.0(55.0,512.0)days.The immediate stone clearance ratio(88.6%vs 27.1%,P=0.000)and stricture resolution ratio(97.1%vs 78.6%,P=0.001)in the 3D-PTOBF group were significantly greater than those in the PTOBF group.Postoperative complication(8.6%vs 41.4%,P=0.000)and stone recurrence rates(7.1%vs 38.6%,P=0.000)were significantly lower in the 3D-PTOBF group.CONCLUSION Three-dimensional visualization helps make one-step PTCSL a safe,effective,and promising treatment for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.The perioperative and long-term outcomes are satisfactory for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.This minimally invasive method has the potential to be used as a substitute for hepatobiliary surgery.

Intravascular lithotripsy successfully open recurrent in-stent chronic occlusion lesion combined with circular calcification

Coronary artery calcification is common in elderly,diabetic,and dialysis-dependent patients,poses a great challenge to interventional therapy and significantly increases the risk of complications and poor prognosis.[1]Traditional rotational atherectomy and excimer laser coronary atherectomy are both special treatment techniques for severely calcified lesions,but they are difficult to use in clinical practice due to complicated operations.Intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)is a new way of treating calcified lesion.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Renalof® versus Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) for the Treatment of Kidney Stones ≤ 1 cm in Nicaragua

Objectives: To assess the efficiency in terms of cost-effectiveness (CE) of oral Renalof® treatment versus extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of kidney stones ≤ 1 cm in Nicaragua. Methods: A cost-effectiveness economic evaluation was carried out based on the results obtained in the randomised, prospective, observational, single-blind, prospective, phase 2 clinical trial. Cost-effectiveness and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. Economic data were obtained from the Economics Department of Clínica Senior in Managua, Nicaragua. The monetary cost was expressed in US dollars (USD). Results: Treatment with Renalof® yielded a CE of $1,323.08/% remission, while ESWL was $9,498.54/% remission. The ICER shows that, in order to achieve a high percentage of kidney stone remission with ESWL, an extra $4,734.70 per patient must be invested. Conclusions: The use of Renalof® is shown to be a more cost-effective option than ESWL. It is recommended for the treatment of kidney stones ≤ 1 cm in size.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the management of urinary stones: New concepts and techniques to improve outcomes

Objective: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) currently plays an important role in the treatment of urinary tract lithiasis. The purpose of this article was to describe new concepts and procedural strategies that would improve results using SWL as a treatment for urolithiasis, thereby achieving better clinical practice.Methods: A systematic review process was carried in PubMed/PMC from January 2003 to March 2023. A narrative synthesis of the most important aspects has been made.Results: The important recommendations for the adequate selection of the candidate patient for treatment with SWL are summarized, as well as the new strategies for a better application of the technique. Aspects about intraoperative position, stone localization and monitoring, analgesic control, machine and energy settings, and measures aiming at reduced risk of complications are described.Conclusion: To achieve the therapeutic goal of efficient stone disintegration without increasing the risk of complications, it is necessary to make an adequate selection of patients and to pay special attention to several important factors in the application of treatment. Technological development in later generation devices will help to improve current SWL results.

超声引导竖脊肌平面阻滞在胰管结石体外震波碎石术中的应用

目的:评价超声引导竖脊肌平面阻滞(ES‐PB)联合少阿片麻醉方案在胰管结石体外震波碎石术(ESWL)中的应用价值。方法:选取2022年3月至2023年4月于本院择期行胰管结石体外震波碎石术患者96例,男60例,女36例,年龄20~65岁,ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级,BMI16~30kg/m^(2)。将患者随机分为常规静脉麻醉组(C组,48例)和ESPB+少阿片组(E组,48例)。C组患者接受保留自主呼吸的丙泊酚、瑞芬太尼靶控输注静脉全麻;E组患者在静脉全麻前接受超声引导下双侧ESPB。观察并记录两组血流动力学指标[心率(HR)、平均动脉压(MAP)]的变化;观察两组麻醉效果、瑞芬太尼用量、麻醉恢复质量、术后镇痛效果及围术期不良反应(呼吸抑制、恶心呕吐、皮肤瘙痒等)发生率。结果:与C组比较,E组术中呼吸抑制发生率降低、术中瑞芬太尼用量减少、术后苏醒时间缩短(P<0.05);E组术后静息及咳嗽疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及术后恶心呕吐发生率显著低于C组(P<0.05)。两组患者术中、术后的HR及MAP无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:超声引导ESPB用于胰管结石ESWL效果满意,俭省阿片类药且并发症少。

Application of DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology in diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND Hepatobiliary stone disease involves an intrahepatic bile duct stone that occurs above the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts.One-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy(PTCSL)using the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation(PTOBF)technique enables the clearing of intrahepatic stones and the resolution of strictures.However,hepatolithiasis with associated strictures still has high residual and recurrence rates after one-step PTCSL.DynaCT can achieve synchronized acquisition with a flat-panel detector during C-arm rotation.The technical approach and application value of DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis with bile duct stenosis were evaluated in this study.AIM To explore the value of DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis with bile duct stenosis,and to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the PTOBF technique guided by DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology.METHODS The clinical data of 140 patients with complex biliary stenosis disease combined with bile duct stenosis who received PTOBF and were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected.The patients were divided into two groups:DynaCT-PTOBF group(70 patients)and conventional PTOBF group(70 patients).These groups were compared in terms of the preoperative bile duct stenosis,location of the liver segment where the stone was located,intraoperative operative time,immediate stone retrieval rate,successful stenosis dilatation rate,postoperative complication rate,postoperative reoperation rate,stone recurrence rate,and stenosis recurrence rate.RESULTS DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology was successfully performed in 70 patients.The DynaCTPTOBF group had a higher detection rate of target bile ducts where bile duct stones and biliary strictures were located than the PTOBF group.Compared with the PTOBF group,the DynaCT-PTOBF group was characterized by a significantly greater immediate stone removal rate(68.6%vs 50.0%,P=0.025),greater immediate stenosis dilatation success rate(72.9%vs 55.7%,P=0.034),greater final stenosis release rate(91.4%vs 75.7%,P=0.012),shorter duration of intraoperative hemorrhage(3.14±2.00 vs 26.5±52.1,P=0.039),and lower incidence of distant cholangitis(2.9%vs 11.4%,P=0.49).There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the final stone removal rate,reoperation rate,or long-term complication incidence rate.CONCLUSION DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology guiding the PTOBF technique in patients with hepatolithiasis with bile duct stenosis is feasible and accurate.It may be beneficial for optimizing the preoperative evaluation of the PTOBF technique.

输尿管软镜碎石术与腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术在输尿管上段嵌顿性结石中的应用

目的:探讨输尿管软镜碎石术(FURL)与腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术(LU)在输尿管上段嵌顿性结石患者中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2018年3月—2022年3月贵州医科大学附属肿瘤医院收治的102例输尿管上段嵌顿性结石患者的临床资料,根据所用手术方式分A组(采用FURL治疗)、B组(采用LU治疗),各51例。比较两组手术相关情况、结石清除率、视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分、白蛋白、血红蛋白、肌酐差值及术后并发症发生情况。结果:A组手术时间、术后住院时间均短于B组,术中出血量少于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3 d及1个月,A组结石清除率均低于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后1、3 d,两组VAS评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组白蛋白、血红蛋白、肌酐差值及并发症发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:在输尿管上段嵌顿性结石患者中,FURL、LU治疗各有其优劣势,LU治疗的结石清除率更高,但FURL的用时更短,出血量更少,且患者术后恢复更加迅速,需根据患者的临床实际进行合理选择。

系统性护理对输尿管镜碎石术患者的影响

目的本研究旨在探讨系统性护理对输尿管镜碎石术患者的影响。方法选取2023年7月—2024年2月在医院接受输尿管镜碎石术治疗的160例患者作为研究对象,按照组间基线资料均衡可比的原则分为对照组和观察组,每组80例。对照组患者实施常规护理,观察组患者在对照组的基础上实施系统性护理,并分析两组患者的住院时间、腰痛症状消失时间、碎石完全排出时间、VAS评分、护理质量(心理干预、业务水平、护理态度、健康宣教)以及护理满意程度。结果观察组患者住院时间、腰痛症状消失时间、碎石完全排出时间均短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组患者干预后VAS评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组患者护理质量(心理干预、业务水平、护理态度、健康宣教)评分均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组患者护理满意程度高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论系统性护理在输尿管镜碎石术患者中不仅可以有效缓解疼痛、提高治疗效果,还能够提升护理质量和患者满意程度,有较好的护理效果。

输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术后尿路感染患者血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3水平变化及检测意义

目的:探讨输尿管软镜钬激光碎石术(FURL)后尿路感染(UTI)患者血清可溶性髓样细胞触发受体-1(sTREM-1)、视黄醇结合蛋白4(RBP4)、人β-防御素-3(HBD-3)水平变化及检测意义。方法:选取行FURL患者183例,根据患者术后是否发生UTI分为UTI组(98例)和非UTI组(85例)。比较两组临床资料及血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3水平。采用多因素Logistic回归分析患者FURL术后发生UTI的影响因素。分析血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3对患者FURL术后发生UTI的预测价值。结果:UTI组有泌尿道手术史、导尿管留置时间≥7 d、抗菌药物种类>3种患者比例高于非UTI组(均P<0.05)。UTI组血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3水平高于非UTI组(均P<0.05)。泌尿道手术史、导尿管留置时间、抗菌药物种类及血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3是患者FURL术后发生UTI的影响因素(均P<0.05)。血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3水平与患者泌尿道手术史、导尿管留置时间及抗菌药物种类呈正相关(均P<0.05)。血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3联合预测患者FURL术后发生UTI的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.894,高于三者独立预测的AUC(均P<0.05)。结论:FURL术后UTI患者血清sTREM-1、RBP4、HBD-3水平升高,三者联合对FURL术后发生UTI具有较高的预测价值。

Extracorporeal shock-wave versus pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treatment of lower ureteral calculi

Aim: To compare the efficacy and complications of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) and pneumatic ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) in the treatment of lower ureteral calculi. Methods: From August 1997 to June 1999, 210 patients with calculi in the distal third of the ureter were treated with SWL and the other 180 with URS. The stones were fragmented with either HB-ESWL-V lithotripter or JML-93 pneumatic lithotripter through Wolf 7.5～9.0 Fr ureteroscope. The outcome was assessed in terms of stone clearance rate, re-treatment rate and complication incidence. Results: The stone clearance rate was 78.1% with SWL and 93.3 % with URS (P<0.05). SWL had a re-treatment rate of 11.9 %, vs 2.2 % in the URS group (P<.05). URS caused ureteral perforation in 3.3% of patients, while it was 0 with SWL (P<0.05). The differences in the incidence of other complications such as infection and stricture between the two groups were insignificant. Conclusion: Though the selection of these two options depends on equipments available and the expertise of the operator, we recommend URS as the optimal treatment for distal ureteral calculi. (Asian J Andro12002 Dec, 4: 303-305)

Management hepatolithiasis with operative choledochoscopic FREDDY laser lithotripsy combined with or without hepatectomy

BACKGROUND: Hepatolithiasis is very common in East Asia. It is benign in nature, but has a high recurrence rate. It is likely to lead to biliary cirrhosis and increase the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Hence, the treatment of hepatolithiasis is difficult but vital. In this report, we present a novel approach to manage hepatolithiasis using the choledochoscopic Frequency-Doubled Double pulse Nd:YAG (FREDDY) laser lithotripsy combined with or without hepatectomy. METHODS: Between July 2009 and October 2012, 45 patients underwent choledochoscopic FREDDY laser lithotripsy combined with or without hepatectomy (laser lithotripsy group). Fortyeight patients underwent a traditional operation (traditional method group) from January 2009 to June 2009. Comparative analysis was made of demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups. RESULTS: The final stone clearance rate of the laser lithotripsy group was 93.3%, whereas that of the traditional method group was 85.4% (P=0.22). In the laser lithotripsy group, 2 patients experienced hemobilia and 3 patients had acute cholangitis. In the traditional method group, 3 patients had intraoperative hemorrhage, 1 patient had bile leakage, 6 patients had acute cholangitis, and 1 patient died of liver failure. Moreover, the operative time in the traditional method group was significantly longer than that in the laser lithotripsy group (P=0.01). The mean hospital stay of the patients in the traditional method group was longer than that in the laser lithotripsy group (9.8 vs8.2 days, P=0.17). Recurrent intrahepatic bile duct stones were not found during the follow-up period in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Operative choledochoscopic FREDDY laser lithotripsy combined with or without hepatectomy may be an effective and safe treatment for hepatolithiasis.

Epidural anesthesia is effective for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of pancreatic and biliary calculi

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of thoracic epidural analgesia for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). METHODS: ESWL is an effective, non-invasive technique for the treatment of difficult pancreatic and large bile duct calculi. The procedure is often painful and requires large doses of analgesics. Many different anesthetic techniques have been used. Patients with either large bile duct calculi or pancreatic duct calculi which could not be extracted by routine endoscopic methods were selected. Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) was routinely used in all the subjects unless contraindicated. Bupivacaine 0.25% with or without clonidine was used to block the segments D6 to D12. The dose was calculated depending on the age, height and weight of the patient. It was usually 1-2 mL per segment blocked.RESULTS: Ninety eight percent of the 1509 patients underwent ESWL under TEA. The subjects selected were within American Society of Anesthesiologists grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ. ESWL using EA permitted successful elimination of bile duct or pancreatic calculi with minimal morbidity. The procedure time was shorter in patients with TEA than in those who underwent ESWL under total intravenous anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Almost all patients undergoing ESWL with EA had effective blocks with a single catheter insertion and local anesthetic injection.

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.

Prevention strategies for ureteral stricture following ureteroscopic lithotripsy

Ureteral stricture formation after ureteroscopic lithotripsy is a late complication that can lead to hydronephrosis and a subsequent risk of renal deterioration.The specific incidence is unknown,and the mechanism of stricture formation has not been completely explained.In this review,we summarize the current evidence regarding the incidence of this condition and discuss its pathogenesis.We then list preventive strategies to reduce the morbidity of ureteral strictures。

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.

Biliary spontaneous dislodgement spiral stent for patients who underwent mechanical lithotripsy

BACKGROUND The incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)cholangitis(PEC)in patients who underwent mechanical lithotripsy(ML)for large stone removal is high(up to 13.3%).One of the main causes is remaining small fragments or sludge that can impair normal biliary drainage.Endoscopic placement of a nasobiliary tube or a conventional plastic biliary stent has been commonly used under such conditions,but the patient may suffer from significant discomfort after the placement of a nasobiliary tube,while additional endoscopy is required for stent removal.We developed a biliary spontaneous dislodgement spiral stent(BSDSS)to overcome those shortcomings.AIM To evaluate the feasibility,safety,and effectiveness of inserting a BSDSS for patients who underwent ML for large stone removal.METHODS We conducted a single-center,retrospective,cohort study at West China Hospital,Sichuan University.A total of 91 consecutive patients with large biliary stones(≥10 mm)in the common bile duct who underwent ML between November 2017 and July 2018 were included.The 49 eligible patients were divided into the BSDSS group and the nasobiliary tube group.Technical success,post-ERCP adverse events(including PEC,post-ERCP pancreatitis,stone recurrence,BSDSS retention,self-extraction and dislocation of the nasobiliary tube),drainage time,and postoperative stay were measured and compared.RESULTS Twenty-one patients in the BSDSS group and 28 patients in the nasobiliary tube group were included in the analyses.The baseline characteristics and clinical information were similar in the two groups.Insertions of BSDSS and nasobiliary tube were technically successful in all 49 patients.There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall post-ERCP adverse events between the two groups(4.8%in the BSDSS group vs 17.9%in the nasobiliary tube group,P=0.219).The median duration of drainage time(3 d in the BSDSS group vs 4 d in the nasobiliary tube group)and length of postoperative stay(4 d in the BSDSS group vs 5 d in the nasobiliary tube group)also did not differ(P=0.934,and P=0.223,respectively).CONCLUSION Endoscopic placement of a BSDSS appears to be feasible,safe and effective for patients who underwent ML for large stone removal.

Successful endoscopic treatment of colonic gallstone ileus using electrohydraulic lithotripsy

The surgical management of gallstone ileus is complex and potentially highly morbid.Initial management requires enterolithotomy and is generally followed by fistula resection at a later date.There have been reports of gallstone extraction using various endoscopic modalities to relieve the obstruction,however,to date,there has never been a published case of endoscopic stone extraction from the colon using electrohydraulic lithotripsy.In this report,we present the technique employed to successfully perform an electrohydraulic lithotripsy for removal of a large gallstone impacted in the sigmoid colon.A cavity was excavated in an obstructing 4.1 cm lamellated stone in the sigmoid colon using electrohydraulic lithotripsy.A screw stent retractor and stent extractor bored a larger lumen which allowed for guidewire advancement and stone fracture via serial pneumatic balloon dilatation.The stone fragments were removed.Electrohydraulic lithotripsy is a safe and effective method to treat colonic obstruction in the setting of gallstone ileus.

Impaction of a lithotripsy basket during endoscopic lithotomy of a common bile duct stone

The treatments for common bile duct (CBD) stones are being continually developed. Impaction of the lithotripsy basket during endoscopic removal of CBD stones was seen in 5.9% patients. We report the case of a 66-yearold woman who underwent surgery for the removal of an impacted biliary basket. She was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of right upper abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a CBD stone (20 mm × 15 mm). We diagnosed her with choledocholithiasis and performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to remove the stone. However, unfortunately, the retrievable basket around the stone became impacted. An endotriptor along with forceps could not be used owing to the entrapment of the basket, and thus we performed urgent surgery. The basket containing the stone was removed through a longitudinal choledochotomy. The wires leading to the basket were cut, and the basket containing the stone was removed via the incision. A T-tube was inserted,and the choledochotomy was closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In conclusion, if the diameter of a CBD stone is more than 20 mm, then the risk of basket impaction increases, and surgery may be necessary as the initial treatment of the CBD stone.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and lithotripsy in treating difficult biliary ductal stones: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is preferred for managing biliary obstruction in patients with bilio-enteric anastomotic strictures(BEAS) and calculi. In patients whose duodenal anatomy is altered following upper gastrointestinal(UGI) tract surgery, ERCP is technically challenging because the biliary tree becomes difficult to access by per-oral endoscopy.Advanced endoscopic therapies like balloon-enteroscopy or rendevous-ERCP may be considered but are not always feasible. Biliary sepsis and comorbidities may also make these patients poor candidates for surgical management of their biliary obstruction.CASE SUMMARY We present two 70-year-old caucasian patients admitted as emergencies with obstructive cholangitis. Both patients had BEAS associated with calculi that were predominantly extrahepatic in Patient 1 and intrahepatic in Patient 2. Both patients were unsuitable for conventional ERCP due to surgically-altered UGl anatomy. Emergency biliary drainage was by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography(PTC) in both cases and after 6-weeks' maturation, PTC tracts were dilated to perform percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and lithotripsy(PTCSL) for duct clearance. BEAS were firstly dilated fluoroscopically,and then biliary stones were flushed into the small bowel or basket-retrieved under visualization provided by the percutaneously-inserted video cholangioscope. Lithotripsy was used to fragment impacted calculi, also under visualization by video cholangioscopy. Satisfactory duct clearance was achieved in Patient 1 after one PTCSL procedure, but Patient 2 required a further procedure to clear persisting intrahepatic calculi. Ultimately both patients had successful stone clearance confirmed by check cholangiograms.CONCLUSION PTCSL offers a pragmatic, feasible and safe method for biliary tract clearance when neither ERCP nor surgical exploration is suitable.