Multidetector computed tomography cholangiography with multiplanar reformation for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cholangiography with multiplanar reformation (MPR) for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction. METHODS: MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique was performed in 58 patients who were thought to have biliary obstruction. No cholangiographic contrast agent was administered. MRCP in 24 patients, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 46 patients and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) in 24 patients were performed. Eighteen patients underwent biopsy or surgery. The findings on MDCT cholangiography were compared with those of MRCP, ERCP, PTC, biopsy or surgery. RESULTS: The findings of MDCT cholangiography were as follows: choledocholithiasis (n = 34, 56.7%), malignant stricture (n = 14, 23.3%), benign stricture (n = 1, 1.7%), and cholelithiasis (n = 11, 18.3%). A small common bile duct (CBD) stone in one patient could not be detected on MDCT cholangiography. One patient with a small stone in distal CBD detected on MDCT cholangiography had no stone on ERCP. Two patients with initial diagnoses of CBD stones by MDCT cholangiography were disclosed to have malignant bile duct stricture by reference examination. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stones were 96.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stricture were 85.7% and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction was 89.8%. CONCLUSION: MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique is a fast and non-invasive technique with relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction.     

Usefulness of Intraductal Ultrasonography in Icteric Patients with Highly Suspected Choledocholithiasis Showing Normal Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Background

Choledocholithiasis is one of the causes of jaundice and may require urgent treatment. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the primary management strategy for choledocholithiasis. However, small stones can be overlooked during ERCP.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) for detecting choledocholithiasis in icteric patients with highly suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones without definite stone diagnosis on ERCP.

Methods

Ninety-five icteric (bilirubin ≥3 mg/dL) patients who underwent ERCP for highly suspected choledocholithiasis without definite filling defects on cholangiography were prospectively enrolled in the present study. We evaluated the bile duct using IDUS for the presence of stones or sludge. Reference standard for choledocholithiasis was endoscopic extraction of stone or sludge.

Result

Bile duct stones were detected with IDUS in 31 of 95 patients (32.6 %). IDUS findings were confirmed by endoscopic stone extraction in all patients. The mean diameter of CBD stones detected by IDUS was 2.9 mm (range 1–7 mm). IDUS revealed biliary sludge in 24 patients (25.2 %) which was confirmed by sludge extraction in 21 patients (87.5 %). In dilated CBD, detection rate of bile duct stone/sludge based on IDUS was significantly higher than in non-dilated CBD (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

IDUS is useful for the detection of occult CBD stone on ERCP in icteric patients with highly suspected CBD stones.     

Over-the-wire US catheter probe as an adjunct to ERCP in the detection of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: Intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) as an adjunct to ERCP for detection of extrahepatic bile duct stones is technically easy, accurate, and safe. This prospective study evaluated IDUS with an "over-the-wire" catheter US probe as an adjunct to ERCP. METHODS: Sixty-five patients, highly suspected to have choledocholithiasis, underwent IDUS during ERCP. The IDUS probe was inserted by means of the duodenoscope into the bile duct without performing a sphincterotomy. All stones identified by IDUS or retrograde cholangiography were removed with either a basket or retrieval balloon after endoscopic sphincterotomy. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was choledocholithiasis in 59 patients. Bile duct diameter ranged from 0.6 to 2.3 cm and stone size from 2 mm to 2 cm. IDUS successfully identified all stones in these patients. IDUS resulted in 2 false-positive diagnoses in the remaining 6 patients without stones (overall accuracy 97%, sensitivity 100%, specificity 67%). Cholangiography detected stones in 55 of the patients with stones (accuracy 94%, sensitivity 93%, specificity 100%). CONCLUSION: IDUS, a safe, technically easy procedure, is highly accurate in the detection of extrahepatic bile duct stones regardless of the diameter of the bile ducts. The "over-the-wire" technique preserves access to the cannulated duct. IDUS is an excellent adjunct to ERCP for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. IDUS differentiates stones from air bubbles and prevents unnecessary sphincterotomy.     

Detection of choledocholithiasis: comparison of unenhanced spiral CT, US, and ERCP

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ERCP is an established method for the diagnosis and treatment of common bile duct stones, however, it is invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. The purpose of this study was to determine whether unenhanced spiral CT and US, compared with ERCP, have sufficient sensitivity and negative predictive value to be useful screening techniques in patients suspected of having choledocholithiasis. METHODOLOGY: Over a period of 2 years, 82 patients with clinically suspected choledocholithiasis underwent unenhanced spiral computed tomography and US immediately before undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. CT/US scans and ERCP images were evaluated for the presence of bile duct stones, ampullary stones, and extrahepatic biliary dilatation. RESULTS: Unenhanced spiral computed tomography (US) depicted common bile duct stones in 24 (23) of 28 patients found to have stones at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Five patients had stones impacted at the ampulla, all (two) of which were detected with CT (US). Computed tomography (US) had a sensitivity of 86% (82%) and a specificity of 98% (98%) in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Both unenhanced spiral CT and US are useful for evaluating suspected common bile duct stones. Unenhanced spiral CT is especially useful when the patient is likely to have ampullary stones and is a safe, more available and less expensive alternative to magnetic resonance cholangiography.     

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.     

Imaging tests for accurate diagnosis of acute biliary pancreatitis

Gallstones represent the most frequent aetiology of acute pancreatitis in many statistics all over the world, estimated between 40%-60%. Accurate diagnosis of acute biliary pancreatitis(ABP) is of outmost importance because clearance of lithiasis [gallbladder and common bile duct(CBD)] rules out recurrences. Confirmation of biliary lithiasis is done by imaging. The sensitivity of the ultrasonography(US) in the detection of gallstones is over 95% in uncomplicated cases, but in ABP, sensitivity for gallstone detection is lower, being less than 80% due to the ileus and bowel distension. Sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography(TUS) for choledocolithiasis varies between 50%-80%, but the specificity is high, reaching 95%. Diameter of the bile duct may be orientative for diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS) seems to be a more effectivetool to diagnose ABP rather than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),which should be performed only for therapeutic purposes.As the sensitivity and specificity of computerized tomography are lower as compared to state-of-the-art magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP)or EUS,especially for small stones and small diameter of CBD,the later techniques are nowadays preferred for the evaluation of ABP patients.ERCP has the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis and is used as a reference standard in many studies,especially after sphincterotomy and balloon extraction of CBD stones.Laparoscopic ultrasonography is a useful tool for the intraoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis.Routine exploration of the CBD in cases of patients scheduled for cholecystectomy after an attack of ABP was not proven useful.A significant rate of the so-called idiopathic pancreatitis is actually caused by microlithiasis and/or biliary sludge.In conclusion,the general algorithm for CBD stone detection starts with anamnesis,serum biochemistry and then TUS,followed by EUS or MRCP.In the end,bile duct microscopic analysis may be performed by bile harvested during ERCP in case of recurrent attacks of ABP and these should be followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Prospective study of endoscopic ultrasound performance in suspected choledocholithiasis

Background: The close proximity of the echoendoscope to the extrahepatic bile ductal system and its safety make endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) an excellent method for examining the common bile duct (CBD). The aim of the present study was to compare EUS diagnostic performance for CBD stones with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Methods: A prospective series of our first 60 patients (65% women, average age 43 years) who were referred for ERC for suspicion of choledocholithiasis based on clinical, biochemical and cross‐sectional imaging (ultrasonography [US] or computed tomography [CT]) data underwent radial EUS. EUS results were recorded as positive or negative for CBD stones before starting the ERC. All patients underwent ERC with a balloon sweep of the bile duct as the standard of reference for CBD stone. All procedures were performed during the same endoscopy session by a single endoscopist who was blinded to the clinical, biochemical and imaging data. Results: Sixty‐five percent of our patients had low to moderate risk for CBD stones. EUS diagnoses were confirmed by ERC as follows: 23 true positive, 33 true negative, three false negative and one false positive (sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value of 96%, and negative predictive value of 92%; overall accuracy of 93%). Compared to the EUS diagnostic accuracy (90%) during the first 30 cases, EUS had a very high diagnostic accuracy (97%) for CBD stones during the last 30 cases (P = 0.31). Conclusion: EUS is highly accurate for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. The EUS learning curve is relatively short for CBD stones.     

Evaluation of risk factors for recurrent primary common bile duct stone in patients with cholecystectomy

Objectives: Recurrence of primary common bile duct (CBD) stone commonly occurs after complete removal of CBD stones in patients with cholecystectomy. This study aimed to investigate potential risk factors for the recurrence of primary CBD stones after endoscopic treatment.

Materials and methods: Between January 2005 and December 2015, the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) database of our medical center was retrospectively reviewed; information regarding eligible patients who had recurrent CBD stones with a history of previous cholecystectomy was collected. The characteristics of the patients, CBD stone, CBD and ERCP-related factors were analyzed.

Results: The recurrence rate of CBD stone was 18.5% (115/622) after endoscopic treatment in patients with cholecystectomy. In univariate analysis, the number of CBD stones (≥2), CBD stone diameter (≥10?mm), stone composition, stone consistency, CBD diameter (≥15?mm), bile duct dilatation pattern, sharp bile duct angulation (<145°), balloon dilatation, large balloon (>12?mm) dilatation, endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy, endoscopic sphincterotomy, and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation alone method were significant between the non-recurrence and recurrence groups. However, in multivariate analysis (based on the binary logistic regression method), the number of CBD stones (≥2) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.232; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.344–7.773; p?=?.009), cholesterol stone (AOR 2.824; 95% CI 1.175–6.786; p?=.02) and sharp bile duct angulation (<145°) (AOR 2.462; 95% CI 1.062–5.711; p?=?.036) were independent risk factors of CBD stone recurrence after cholecystectomy.

Conclusions: CBD stone number (≥2), cholesterol stone and sharp bile duct angulation (<145°) are associated with recurrent common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy.     

内镜逆行胰胆管造影十二指肠乳头括约肌切开取石诊治胆总管结石163例体会

目的探讨内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）十二指肠乳头括约肌切开（EST）诊断、治疗胆总管结石的临床效果和价值。方法163例临床诊断胆总管结石者行ERCP检查，造影成功159例，150例确诊为胆总管结石并经内镜行乳头括约肌切开术。结果胆总管结石ERCP与临床诊断符合率为94．3％；胆总管结石150例，取石成功141例，成功率94．0％；EST术后发生急性胰腺炎4例，少到中等量肠道出血3例，高淀粉酶血症5例，无肠穿孔、大出血及死亡等并发症发生。结论ERCP可提高胆管结石的诊断准确率；EST取石是肝外胆管结石治疗的优良方法，对已作胆囊切除后肝外胆管残留或复发结石并应为首选治疗方法。     

Prospective assessment of the utility of EUS in the evaluation of gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: The ability to identify common bile duct stones by noninvasive means in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis is limited. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the ability of endosonography (EUS) to identify cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis and predict disease severity in patients with nonalcoholic pancreatitis. METHODS: EUS was performed immediately before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) by separate blinded examiners within 72 hours of admission. Gallbladder findings were compared between EUS and transabdominal ultrasonography (US). Using endoscopic extraction of a bile duct stone as the reference standard for choledocholithiasis, the diagnostic yield of EUS was compared with transabdominal US and ERCP. Features identified during endosonographic imaging of the pancreas were correlated with length of hospitalization. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were studied. EUS and transabdominal US were concordant in their interpretation of gallbladder findings in 92% of patients. The sensitivity of transabdominal US, EUS, and ERCP for identifying choledocholithiasis was 50%, 91%, and 92% and the accuracy was 83%, 97%, and 89%, respectively. Length of hospital stay was longer in patients with peripancreatic fluid (9.2 vs. 5.7 days, p < 0.1) and shorter in patients with coarse echo texture (2.6 vs. 7.2 days, p < 0.05) demonstrated on EUS. CONCLUSIONS: EUS can reliably identify cholelithiasis and is more sensitive than transabdominal US in detecting choledocholithiasis in patients with biliary pancreatitis. EUS may be used early in the management of patients with acute pancreatitis to select those who would benefit from endoscopic stone extraction. The utility of EUS for predicting pancreatitis severity requires further investigation.     

Clinical features of patients with choledocholithiasis showing high levels of aminotransferases]

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to determine the clinical features of patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones with high serum levels of AST or ALT. METHODS: A retrospective review of 93 patients with CBD stones was done. Clinical characteristics, diameters of CBD, and prior diagnosis before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were assessed between two groups (group 1 with serum AST or ALT levels > or =400 IU/L and group 2 with AST and ALT < or =100 IU/L). RESULTS: Nineteen patients in group 1 and 17 patients in group 2 were enrolled. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain in both groups. Patients in group 1 was about 14 years younger than group 2 (p=0.003). The duration of symptoms in group 1 and group 2 were 4.1 and 36.8 days, respectively (p=0.005). The diameter of CBD was smaller in group 1 (11.4 mm) than in group 2 (16.3 mm) (p=0.001). Most patients were diagnosed as CBD stones by abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography before ERCP, except two patients in group 1 who were diagnosed as hepatitis initially. All of the patients were recovered by stone removal through ERCP and antibiotics treatment. There were inverse correlations between the diameter of CBD and AST or ALT levels (r=-0.517, p=0.002 and r=-0.504, p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CBD stones with high levels of AST or ALT are frequently observed in younger patients with shorter duration of symptoms and a smaller diameter of CBD. ERCP seems to be a valuable method in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.     

内镜超声检查对胆总管扩张的诊断价值

目的评价内镜超声检查(EUS)对胆总管扩张的病因诊断价值。方法32例患者在EUS 前均做过体表B超检查。患者的病因诊断均在病理或手术(包括奥狄括约肌切开取石)后确定。结果(1)32例患者的B超及EUS对胆总管直径的测定结果分别为(1.04±0.41)cm和(0.97±0.36)cm,两者差异无显著性(P＞0.05)。(2)对胆总管扩张的病因诊断率EUS为29/32(90.6％),明显高于体表B超19/32(59.4％),P＜0.01;X线电子计算机断层扫描(CT)21/32(65.6％),P＜0.05。EUS与磁共振胆胰管成像(MRCP)13/16(81.3％)和内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)31/32(96.9％)诊断率 相似(P＞0.05)。结论EUS对胆总管扩张的病因有很高的诊断价值。     

Endoscopic ultrasonography in the evaluation of dilated common bile duct

Abdominal ultrasonography (US) is the procedure of first choice in the evaluation of a dilated common bile duct (CBD). Dilated bile ducts and the level of obstruction can be reliably demonstrated with US, but the cause can be determined in only two thirds of patients. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in detecting the cause of CBD dilatation in patients in whom US could not demonstrate the cause of dilation or in whom US revealed equivocal results. This 13-month study included the evaluation of 985 patients. Ninety consecutive patients found to have an enlarged CBD (diameter, > or =7 mm) of unexplained origin during US examination were included in this study. All patients were evaluated by EUS. Final diagnosis was determined by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without sphincterotomy ( n = 72) and surgical exploration ( n = 17). The following diagnoses were made by EUS: choledocholithiasis in 40 patients, benign distal stricture in 8, choledochal cyst in 2, and ova of Ascaris in 1. The dilatation of CBD was found by EUS examination to be caused by a tumor in 13 cases. These included tumor of the papilla of the Vater in six patients, distal cholangiocarcinoma in five, and pancreatic head cancer in two. Endoscopic ultrasonography provided an accurate explanation for CBD dilatation in 70 of the 76 patients (92%). We conclude that the diagnostic strategy for cholestasis should include US as a first choice. When the diagnosis of biliary obstruction remains probable, EUS should be carried out. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy should be reserved for therapeutic use rather than diagnostic.     

Value of MR cholangiography in the diagnosis of obstructive diseases of the biliary tree: a study of 58 cases

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in the diagnosis of biliary tree obstruction.
Methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients underwent MRC (GYROSCAN ACS II 1.5 Tesla, TSE T2 axial/coronal-MIP sequences) for clinical and biochemical signs of main bile duct obstruction. MRC images were interpreted by two radiologists and consensus was established according to presence or absence of main bile duct dilation, choledocholithiasis, and malignant or benign stricture. MRC was compared to a final diagnosis established by ultrasound and CT in 19 cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 25, intraoperative cholangiography and exploration in 14, and clinical, biochemical, and histological presentation when relevant. Included were single or multiple choledocholithiasis (28, including 11 ≤ 3 mm), malignant (10) and benign (12) strictures, and intrahepatic cholestasis (9).
Results: Overall, MRC was sensitive (94%) and specific (92%) in detecting main bile duct dilation and choledocholithiasis (86% and 97%), but was less sensitive (64%) for small stones ≤ 3 mm. Sensitivity for stones > 3 mm was 100%. For benign and malignant strictures, MRC was less sensitive (67% and 80%) but remained specific (98% and 96%). In the detection of normal main bile duct, MRC was highly sensitive (100%) and specific (94%). Diagnostic accuracy ranged from 91% to 98%.
Conclusions: MRC appears to be specific for choledocholithiasis and sensitive except for small stones. Results for biliary stricture are less satisfactory, but remain specific. Our data confirm that MRC can be useful in the diagnostic workup of main bile duct obstruction.     

Duplication of the common bile duct manifesting as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: A case report

BACKGROUNDDuplication of the extrahepatic bile duct (DCBD) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the biliary system. There are five types of DCBD according to the latest classification. Among them, Type V is characterized by single drainage of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Reports on DCBD Type V are scarce.CASE SUMMARYA 77-year-old woman presented with recurrent epigastric pain but without fever or chills. Computed tomography revealed a dilated common bile duct (CBD) that harboured multiple choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) was performed, and the stones were extracted using a Dormia basket. She was discharged without any complications; however, she visited the emergency department a day after she was discharged due to epigastric pain and fever. Laboratory findings were suggestive of cholestasis. After urgent ERCP for stone removal, magnetic resonance cholangiopancrea-tography was performed to evaluate remnant choledocholithiasis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a DCBD Type Va and remnant choledocholithiasis in the right CBD. Both CBDs were accessed, and the stones were cleared successfully during a subsequent ERCP.CONCLUSIONIn this article, we report an extremely rare case of DCBD manifesting as recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing DCBD because stones in the unrecognized bile duct could make the patient’s prognosis critical.     

Case with Todani's type Ib congenital cystic dilatation of the common bile duct]

A 56-year-old man, who had epigastralgia and abnormal liver function test, was admitted to our hospital. ERCP showed common bile duct dilation and stones. We therefore performed endoscopic lithotripsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Ten months later, MRCP showed recurrent CBD stones. After rehospitalization, resection of the dilated bile duct was carried out. This case was diagnosed Todani's type Ib congenital cystic dilatation of common bile duct. Todani's type Ib is rare type of congenital dilatation of bile duct, and is interesting embryologically.     

Accuracy of abdominal ultrasonography and the role of a second investigation in surgical obstructive jaundice

The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography (US) was evaluated in delineating the site and cause of biliary obstruction in 59 patients of surgical obstructive jaundice (SOJ). A final analysis of the ultrasonographic data was carried out in 42 patients on whom laparotomy or endoscopic papillotomy with removal of common bile duct stones, confirmed the diagnosis. Evaluation of the role of second investigation following ultrasound in 28 patients (side-viewing endoscopy in 13, ERCP in 12 and PTC in 3) was also done to determine whether they provide any additional information over ultrasonography in delineating the exact level and etiology of biliary obstruction. US was done by the clinician who interpreted the findings in conjunction with the clinical profile of the patient. US correctly diagnosed SOJ in all 42 patients. In 26 of the 28 patients with distal CBD block (specificity 87.5%; sensitivity 100%) and in 14 out of 16 patients with proximal CBD block (specificity 100%; sensitivity 87.5%) US provided and accurate diagnosis of the site of obstruction. US was correct in diagnosing a malignant etiology in 26 out of 27 malignant cases whereas it accurately indentified the benign nature of biliary obstruction in 14 of the 15 patients of SOJ due to benign obstruction (specificity and sensitivity range 93.3% to 96.3%). A second investigation could correctly change the etiology and site of biliary obstruction in only 5 patients (17.9%) whereas in the remaining 23 patients (82.1%) it did not add any additional information over the US findings. Six out of fifteen patients (40%) who underwent cholangiography had cholangitis and in one severe septicemia led to death.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Success rate of complete extraction of common bile duct stones at first endoscopy attempt.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: ERCP with biliary sphincterotomy is the usual method to extract common bile duct stones. However, after sphincterotomy and by means of balloons and Dormia baskets not all stones may be extracted during the first endoscopy session. We present our experience regarding success rate after first ERCP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 100 consecutive patients were included. All were diagnosed with choledocholitiasis by using ERCP. After biliary sphincterotomy, attempts to extract stones by means of balloons and Dormia baskets only were made. Billroth II gastrectomies and bile duct strictures of any origin were excluded. RESULTS: During the first attempt at ERCP, complete stone clearance was achieved in 73 patients. Of the remaining 27 patients: 3 underwent surgery for choledocholithiasis, 20 had a plastic stent inserted, and 4 needed another ERCP for stones having been left in place. Mean extracted stone size was 9.4 mm (+/- 3.8), and mean non-extracted stone size was 17 mm (+/- 7.3): p < 0.001. Male/female ratio was 35/38 in the extracted group and 6/21 in the non-extracted group (p < 0.05). There were 11 complications (one patient underwent surgery because of duodenal perforation not related to sphincterotomy). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and by means of balloons and Dormia baskets a complete stone clearance has been achieved in 73% of patients at first endoscopy attempt. Failed extraction seems to be related to stone size and was more frequently found in women.     

ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY PLUS ENDOPROSTHESES IN THE TREATMENT OF LARGE OR MULTIPLE COMMON BILE DUCT STONES

Background and Aim: Little information is available on the outcomes of endoscopic sphincterotomy plus biliary stent placement without stone extraction as primary therapy at initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of large or multiple common bile duct (CBD) stones. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of biliary stents and sphincterotomy as primary therapy for patients with choledocholithiasis. Methods: Patients with large (≥20 mm) or multiple (≥3) CBD stones were retrospectively studied. The patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy and placement of plastic stents in the bile duct without stone extraction at the initial ERCP. Three or more months later, a second ERCP was carried out and stone removal was attempted. Differences in stone size and the largest CBD diameter before and after stenting were compared. Stone clearance and complications were also evaluated. Results: 52 patients were enrolled. After a median of 124 days of biliary plastic stent placement the mean maximal stone diameter decreased from 16.6 mm to 10.0 mm (P < 0.01). The mean CBD diameter also decreased from 15.3 mm to 11.5 mm (P < 0.01). The total stone clearance at second ERCP was 94.2%, only 5.7% of which needed mechanical lithotripsy. Complications: pancreatitis in one (1.9%) at initial ERCP, cholangitis in two (3.8%) after 52 days and 84 days of placement of stent. No complications were recorded at second ERCP. Conclusions: Biliary plastic stents plus endoscopic sphincterotomy without stone extraction as primary therapy at initial ERCP is a safe and effective method in the management of large or multiple CBD stones.     

Clinical utility of intraductal US for evaluation of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: Intraductal US can improve the diagnostic accuracy of cholangiography performed under C-arm fluoroscopy in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. This study aimed to determine the clinical utility of intraductal US for patient management. METHODS: Patients with suspected choledocholithiasis undergoing ERCP with a C-arm fluoroscope at two tertiary academic medical centers were enrolled. After initial cholangiography, findings and decisions concerning the need for further interventions were recorded. Intraductal US (20 MHz) was then selectively performed in patients with equivocal cholangiography or those without cholangiographic evidence of bile duct stones. Intraductal US was also performed after endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction to confirm bile duct clearance. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (28 men, 24 women) were enrolled and intraductal US was selectively performed in 35 (64%). Of the 21 patients with normal cholangiography, 8 (38%) had stones or sludge by intraductal US. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed as a direct result of intraductal US in these 8 and the findings were confirmed in 7. In the 14 patients in whom cholangiography demonstrated small (<5 mm) or round filling defects, intraductal US concurred in 9 and found air bubble/no stone in 5. Sphincterotomy was avoided in these 5 patients. Overall, intraductal US led to a change in clinical management in 13 of 35 patients (37%) in whom it was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Selective use of intraductal US affects the clinical management of a large proportion of patients who undergo C-arm fluoroscopy-guided ERCP for suspected bile duct stones.