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.     

Do normal findings at biliary endoscopic ultrasonography obviate the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with suspicion of common bile duct stone? A prospective follow-up study of 238 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Biliary endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) are equally accurate for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stone. The aim of this prospective 1-year follow-up study was to determine whether normal findings at initial EUS obviated the need for ERC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 17-month period, all patients referred for biliary EUS because of suspicion of CBD stone, in whom EUS findings were normal were included in the study. Early (1-month) and late (1-year) follow-up details were obtained by mail or telephone. The clinical course and need for ERC were recorded. RESULTS: 238 patients were enrolled. During follow-up, 59 (25 %) patients underwent cholecystectomy, with (n=31) or without (n=28) cholangiography, and 30 patients underwent ERC (13 %). CBD stone was found in 14 (6 %) patients. Of these 30 patients, ERC was done in 15 cases in the first week after EUS, because of persistent suspicion of a CBD stone which was found in 10 patients. The 15 late ERC procedures (carried out more than 1 week after EUS) revealed only one CBD stone. The negative predictive value of EUS for the diagnosis of CBD stones was 95.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with suspicion of CBD stones but normal EUS findings have a low risk of needing ERC in a 1-year period.     

内镜下不切开乳头括约肌治疗胆总管结石(附158例报告)

目的：探讨内镜下不切开乳头括约肌治疗胆总管结石的价值。方法：158例应用内镜下不切开乳头括约肌治疗胆总管结石的病例进行分析。结果：本组158例，一次结石取净率84．81％(132／158)；二次取净率15．19％(26／158)。全组除了3例行EST外，总成功率为98．1％(155／158)，无急症开腹，无死亡。29例胆道蛔虫全部取出；18例采用机械网篮碎石 取石成功；7例碎石后行ENBD，1周后行二次取石，均获得满意效果。结论：内镜下不切开乳头括约肌治疗胆总管结石，不麻醉，不开腹，不切开乳头括约肌，对人体局部解结构损伤更小，更符合人体生理功能特点，是一项简便易行的内镜技术。     

腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石

目的:探讨腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床疗效.方法:回顾分析2009年1月-2010年12月腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)联合十二指肠镜治疗35例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者的临床资料.所有患者均采取经十二指肠镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP),内镜下十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术(EST),取出胆总管结石,放置胆道塑料支架引流(ERBD).ERCP后3d内行LC,术后4d出院.出院后1～2周内再次行十二指肠镜取出胆道支架并行ERCP了解胆管有无残余结石.结果:35例患者均1次取净胆总管结石,1例EST术中出血,34例成功行LC,1例中转开腹行胆囊切除术.术后并发急性胰腺炎2例,所有患者均无胆漏、十二指肠穿孔、黄疸等并发症.结论:腹腔镜联合十二指肠镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石具有疗效确切、创伤小、恢复快等优点.     

腹腔镜胆总管探查取石与内镜ERCP/EST联合LC治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的临床对比研究

【目的】评价腹腔镜胆总管探查取石术(LCBDE)与内镜逆行胆管造影、括约肌切开取石术(ER CP/EST)联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的临床效果,探讨胆石症的微创外科治疗策略。【方法】回顾性分析152例胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石病人分别采用LC LCBDE术(68例)、内镜EST联合LC术(84例)治疗的临床资料, 进行胆总管内径、结石大小、手术时间、手术费用、并发症发生率、术后住院日等方面的统计学对比分析。【结果】两种术式的术后住院日差异无显著性(P>0. 05),手术时间、手术费用、并发症发生率等方面比较差异有显著性(P<0. 01 ), 且两者的胆总管内径、结石大小相比较有差别。【结论】胆总管直径小于1. 0cm,尤其胆总管下端结石嵌顿时宜采用内镜、腹腔镜联合手术治疗;胆总管直径大于1. 0cm或多发结石,尤其并存二级支肝管结石者(无胆管狭窄),腹腔镜下一期手术LC LCBDE是治疗胆囊疾病合并胆总管结石的最佳选择。     

腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗胆囊并胆总管结石的内镜应用

目的 探讨内镜参与腹腔镜胆囊切除术（LC）、开腹手术治疗胆囊并胆总管结石的效果.方法 对54例胆囊并胆总管结石病人在LC或开腹手术之前行内镜检查、取石.结果 54例十二指肠逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）均成功,选择性十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术（EST）取胆总管结石成功49例,占90.74%.EST后选择性LC成功47例,内镜加LC总取石成功者占87.05%,1例EST取石后急性胆囊炎加重中转手术;内镜术后选择性开腹手术成功7例,占12.95%.无严重并发症发生.结论 先行内镜检查、取石,再行LC处理,大部分胆囊并胆总管结石病人可治愈而且并发症少,少部分疑难、复杂者仍需开腹手术处理.     

胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石的内镜诊治

目的：探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）在胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石诊治中的应用价值。方法：对胆囊切除术后腹痛、发热、黄疸或肝功能异常而经B超、CT或磁共振胰胆管造影（MRCP）证实或怀疑残留胆总管结石的患者进行ERCP检查，对发现胆总管结石的患者行EST或EPBD后取石。结果：ERCP检查的成功率为96．4％（108／112）。85例证实胆总管结石的患者行EST或EPBD后取石，79例（92．9％）取石治疗成功；6例因合并肝内胆管多发结石而行外科手术治疗。并发症发生率为4．5％，其中消化道出血2例，急性胰腺炎3例。结论；对于胆囊切除术后残留胆总管结石的患者，ERCP是理想的诊断方法，而且还可以同时进行治疗。     

急性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除时术中胆道造影35例分析

目的:探讨急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)时行术中胆道造影对胆总管结石的诊断价值,了解IOC在急诊LC时的可行性和安全性。方法:37例术前B超或CT未发现胆总管结石的急性胆囊炎病例行LC,均行经胆囊管胆道造影。结果:35例胆道造影成功,发现3例胆总管结石病例,分别为4mm、3mm、3mm大小,于术后行内镜取石成功。该组病例中无胆道损伤,发生1例与胆道造影无关的轻微胆漏。结论:急性胆囊炎行LC时,并发隐匿性胆管结石的情况值得重视,IOC在急诊LC时对胆管结石的诊断是安全可行的。     

Non-surgical management of bile duct stones.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction is the non-surgical method of choice for treatment of choledocholithiasis in patients unfit for surgery or with previous cholecystectomy. Its success rate is 85-90%. Many adjunctive methods have been developed to increase the clearance rate after initial failure and are reviewed in this paper. Collaboration among the surgeon, endoscopist and radiologist offers the patient a high opportunity for successful clearance of common bile duct (CBD) stones with the least morbidity and mortality. The application of endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy to younger patients is now debated.     

透明帽辅助胆道镜在内镜保胆取石术中的应用研究*

目的研究透明帽辅助胆道镜在内镜保胆取石术中的作用及意义。方法回顾性分析2018年1月-2018年9月因胆囊结石于该院住院行内镜保胆取石术的100例患者,按是否应用透明帽分为接受腹腔镜联合胆道镜手术组与腹腔镜联合透明帽辅助胆道镜治疗手术组,对比两组在胆囊探查时间、手术并发症发生率、不良反应发生率及术后3个月内结石复发情况等方面的差异。结果两组患者均完成保胆取石手术,其中腹腔镜联合透明帽辅助胆道镜组出现1例患者术后胆漏。两组均未发现因胆道镜操作引起胆囊、胆囊管出血和胆总管损伤等并发症。接受腹腔镜联合胆道镜行保胆取石术患者,平均胆囊探查时间为(27.96±12.24)min,术后出现不良反应2例,术后3个月内随访B超检查胆囊结石患者8例;接受腹腔镜联合透明帽辅助胆道镜治疗的患者,平均胆囊探查时间为(12.04±6.01)min,术后出现不良反应2例,术后3个月内随访B超检查胆囊结石患者1例。腹腔镜联合透明帽辅助胆道镜组的胆囊探查时间及术后3个月内胆囊结石患者人数均明显低于腹腔镜联合胆道镜组。两组患者手术并发症发生率和患者不良反应发生率未见明显差异。结论在腹腔镜联合胆道镜实施保胆取石术中,透明帽辅助胆道镜具有明显优势,具有一定的推广应用价值。     

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Background: One of the most reliable, frequently used imaging techniques in cholestasis is ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: In this study, changes in diameters of CBD were determined ultrasonographically before and after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 46 patients with stone-induced dilated CBD. Results: There was a significant decrease in CBD diameter measured 1 week after ES and extraction of stone (p < 0.001). In 87% of cases, the difference was more significantly pronounced during the first 24 h of ES. The mean CBD diameters on US were 13.70 ± 3.00 mm (10–21 mm) before and 9.13 ± 2.90 mm (4.2–18 mm) 24 h after endoscopic treatment (p < 0.001). After ES, six patients (13%) with inadequate decreases in CBD diameters were found to have residual stones. Conclusion: US can show residual stones in the CBD with the same efficacy as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.     

Common bile duct diameters after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with common bile duct stones: ultrasonographic evaluation

Background: One of the most reliable, frequently used imaging techniques in cholestasis is ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: In this study, changes in diameters of CBD were determined ultrasonographically before and after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 46 patients with stone-induced dilated CBD. Results: There was a significant decrease in CBD diameter measured 1 week after ES and extraction of stone (p < 0.001). In 87% of cases, the difference was more significantly pronounced during the first 24 h of ES. The mean CBD diameters on US were 13.70 ± 3.00 mm (10–21 mm) before and 9.13 ± 2.90 mm (4.2–18 mm) 24 h after endoscopic treatment (p < 0.001). After ES, six patients (13%) with inadequate decreases in CBD diameters were found to have residual stones. Conclusion: US can show residual stones in the CBD with the same efficacy as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.     

ROUTINE USE OF ULTRASOUND 24 HOURS BEFORE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY CAN PREDICT THE NEED FOR INTRAOPERATIVE CHOLANGIOGRAM: RESULTS OF A 12-MONTH PROSPECTIVE AUDIT

Intraoperative cholangiograms and exploration of the common bile duct (CBD) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are technically more demanding than during open cholecystectomy. This has led to many surgeons using a selective policy for cholangiography. In this study we prospectively assessed whether biliary ultrasound (CBD diameter ≥6 mm) or one or more abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) performed in the 24 hours preoperatively could predict the need for cholangiography. Forty-five patients were studied (14 male, 31 female), mean age 47.8 years. All patients with one or both tests abnormal preoperatively (19 patients) underwent intraoperative cholangiograms. Seven CBD stones were identified (16%). There was no evidence of CBD stones in patients not undergoing cholangiography at a median follow-up of 18 months. In patients with stones, three underwent open CBD exploration, and four underwent endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy in the early postoperative period without complications. CBD diameter ≥6 mm is a useful predictor of CBD stones. These may be treated successfully by postoperative ERCP.     

3镜联合同期治疗内镜取石失败的胆道结石

目的总结应用腹腔镜、胆道镜、十二指肠镜(3镜),胆总管一期缝合,同期治疗内镜取石失败的胆囊结石合并胆管结石的治疗经验。方法回顾性分析该院2013年6月-2015年6月25例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者,在经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)插管成功,取石失败后同期行腹腔镜下胆囊切除、胆总管切开、胆道镜取石和液电碎石,一期缝合胆总管切口的手术疗效。结果 1例患者中转辅助小切口取石,1例术后残余结石行ERCP取石。术后2例出现一过性淀粉酶升高,经保守治疗后痊愈;1例出现胆瘘,经腹腔引流管引流痊愈;无严重并发症及死亡。随访至今无发现结石复发或胆道狭窄。结论对于内镜取石失败患者,严格把握适应证,采用3镜联合胆总管一期缝合同期治疗是可行、有效和安全的。     

Follow-up of selective endoscopic ultrasonography and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study of 300 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This prospective study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1998, LC for symptomatic gallstones was indicated in 300 consecutive patients. In order to diagnose and treat choledocholithiasis preoperatively, we performed, on the basis of preoperative criteria, ERC in "high-risk" patients and EUS in "intermediate-risk" patients. Choledocholithiasis was treated by preoperative biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (BES). LC was performed either after the endoscopic procedure or directly in "low-risk" patients. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients (35%) had 118 preoperative procedures: a) EUS (n = 68; feasibility 100%): choledocholithiasis was observed in 14/68 patients (21%); b) ERC (n = 50; feasibility 94%): 36 ERC were indicated on on preoperative criteria, and 14 on the basis of EUS results. Choledocholithiasis was found in 41/ 50 patients (82%) (13/14 patients with positive EUS), 19% of "intermediate-risk" patients, and 78% of "high-risk" patients; ERC failed in three patients who had no choledocholithiasis on subsequent intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) was achieved after BES in 41/41 patients. There was no mortality; complications occurred in 4/ 300 patients (1%). No retained stones were found in patients of any of the three groups, after a mean follow-up of 32 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endoscopic and laparoscopie management of cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis is a viable option and is optimized by the use of EUS.     

Sonographic detection of stones in poorly opacified left intrahepatic ducts.

Intrahepatic duct (IHD) stone is a common disease in Taiwan. In some cases, left IHD stones cannot be demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) or even by percutaneous cholangiography (PTC). This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of sonography in demonstrating left IHD stones in poorly opacified left IHD by either ERC or PTC. Of 109 patients with hyperechoic nodular lesions in either the dilated left IHD or atrophic left lobe of the liver, with or without acoustic shadows, 49 patients were excluded because they refused further study. Among the remainder (60 patients), 33 patients had good opacification of left IHD in ERC or PTC. Stones were seen in 31 patients, and tumor obstruction in 2 patients. Twenty-seven patients had complete or partial absence of the left IHD in cholangiograms. Stones were found at surgery in 23 patients and by CT scan in 3 patients. Mucin-producing cholangiocarcinoma was found in 1 patient. The positive predictive value of the demonstration of stones in left IHD by ultrasound was 95% (57/60). Only 15% of patients with atrophy of the left hepatic lobe and stones were demonstrated by sonogram in this series. We conclude that the detection of left IHD stones by ultrasound in patients with poor opacification of the left IHD in cholangiograms is reliable procedure.     

联合使用腹腔镜和十二指肠镜治疗胆囊胆总管结石体会

目的：探讨联合使用腹腔镜和十二指明怕镜治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的意义。方法：在2000年11月－2001年6月间共治疗胆囊结石合并并继发性胆总管结石患者9例，其中3例先行腹腔镜胆囊切除（LC），后通过十二指肠镜行奥狄氏括约肌切开取出胆总管结石；另外6例治疗顺序相反。并对两种治疗顺序进行比较。结果：全部病例术后复查B超或经鼻胆管造影，显示胆道无残留结石无并发症。结论：联合二镜治疗胆囊结石合并继发性胆总管结石是一种有效的微创治疗手段。     

Managing concomitant gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones in the laparoscopic era: a systematic review

Background: There is still no consensus on the ideal management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This article aims to review the management of concomitant gallbladder stones and CBD stones in the laparoscopic era. Method: A PubMed database search was performed to identify MEDLINE articles from 1986 to 2010 using the key terms “common bile duct stones,”“cholecystectomy,”“bile duct exploration,”“ERCP” (endoscopic retrograde cholangiography), and “endoscopic sphincterotomy.” Results: There were five randomized comparative trials (RCT) comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Two RCTs showed similar stone clearance rates and shorter hospital stays in the LCBDE group, while three RCTs showed similar stone clearance rates and hospital stays in sequential preoperative ERCP, LC and LCBDE groups. There were two RCTs comparing LCBDE to sequential LC and postoperative ERCP. One showed similar stone clearance rate and shorter hospital stay in LCBDE group, while the other showed similar stone clearance rate and hospital stay. There were three RCTs comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and LC against LC with intraoperative ERCP. All three studies showed similar stone clearance rates and shorter hospital stays in the intraoperative ERCP group. There was only one RCT comparing sequential preoperative ERCP and LC against sequential LC and postoperative ERCP. This showed a similar stone clearance rate and shorter hospital stay in the postoperative ERCP group. Conclusion: Different management approaches of concomitant gallbladder stones and CBD stones were equivalent in efficacy. However, one‐stage management had the advantage of providing a shorter hospital stay.     

Selective endoscopic cholangiography for the detection of common bile duct stones in patients with cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The detection and management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to be controversial. Several diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have been suggested. These include intraoperative cholangiography, selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selective ERCP in detecting CBD stones in patients with cholelithiasis before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, patients with cholelithiasis who presented during a 6-year period were assessed on a selective basis with ERCP for suspected CBD stones before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ERCP was carried out if the patient had any of the following criteria: a dilated CBD on ultrasound, gallstone pancreatitis, or abnormal liver function tests. Intraoperative cholangiography was not performed in any of the patients. Long-term follow-up was undertaken. RESULTS: The study included 427 patients. On the basis of selective criteria, ERCP was carried out in 41 patients (9.6 %), with confirmed CBD stones in 22 cases (53.7 %). The most useful predictor of CBD stones on ERCP was the presence of a dilated CBD in association with abnormal liver function tests. In this situation, CBD stones were identified in 14 of 17 cases (82 %). Abnormal liver function tests alone had a sensitivity of 50 % (four of eight). All other parameters used in isolation had a lower detection rate. During a median follow-up period of 6 years (range 1-10 years), six of 386 patients (1.6 %) with initially normal imaging and biochemical tests presented again with retained stones. All were successfully managed by ERCP and sphincterotomy. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative selective ERCP is effective in detecting clinically significant CBD stones. However, there is a high false-negative rate when a single criterion is used to guide therapy. Multivariate analysis of preoperative parameters for risk stratification, in conjunction with other imaging modalities, may make it possible to minimize unnecessary ERCPs.     

Management of difficult common bile duct stones

More than 80% of all CBD stones can be effectively treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction using baskets or balloon catheters. For stones up to 2.5 cm in diameter, mechanical lithotripsy is the method of choice as a next step. Very large, impacted, or very hard concretions, however, often make mechanical lithotripsy cumbersome or even impossible. For these stones laser lithotripsy, EHL, and ESWL are nonoperative options, especially for elderly patients and patients with an elevated surgical risk. Because these methods are often only available at endoscopic centers, stenting is a treatment modality for immediate stone therapy, but as a definitive treatment it should be restricted to selected cases. ESWL, EHL, and laser lithotripsy yield similar success rates of 80% to 95% and may be used complementarily in endoscopic centers. ESWL is the preferred therapy in intrahepatic lithiasis. Laser lithotripsy shows the best results in CBD stones. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy is rarely used because of its high potential for tissue damage and bleeding. Laser lithotripsy using smart laser systems such as the rhodamine 6G dye laser and the FREDDY laser system can simplify the treatment of these difficult bile duct stones. The rhodamine 6G-dye laser allows blind fragmentation of these stones by exclusive insertion of a 7-F metal marked standard catheter into the bile duct by standard duodenoscopes using intermittent fluoroscopy. An oSTDS safely cuts off the laser pulse if contact with the stone is lost, thus preserving the bile duct from potential damage. Unfortunately the system is no longer produced. The new FREDDY laser lithotriptor with a piezoacoustic stone/tissue discrimination system offers an alternative to the rhodamine 6G dye laser system at less than half the financial investment. Effective stone fragmentation is accompanied by only low tissue alteration. The holmium:YAG laser is an effective multidisciplinary lithotriptor, but it can be used only under cholangioscopic control, limiting its use to gastroenterologic centers.