Percutaneous transhepatic lithotripsy using a choledochoscope: long-term follow-up in 14 patients.

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to estimate the long-term prognosis of patients with bile duct stones who undergo electrohydraulic lithotripsy guided by choledochoscopy. Since 1987, at our institution, 14 patients with bile duct stones have been treated using percutaneous electrohydraulic lithotripsy guided by choledochoscopy. The procedure was performed 5-7 days after biliary drainage using a 5-mm choledochoscope placed through an 18- to 20-French sheath. All patients underwent follow-up CT, sonography, or both every 6-12 months after treatment. No complications occurred in the 14 patients who underwent treatment. During a mean follow-up period of 4.8 years (range, 2-9 years), two (14%) of the 14 patients developed recurrent common bile duct stones, and another two (14%) developed recurrent small intrahepatic stones; all patients remained asymptomatic. Percutaneous electrohydraulic lithotripsy can be safely performed using a 5-mm choledochoscope. Recurrent calculi may be seen in 28% of patients.