Radiologic methods of bile duct stone extraction |
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Authors: | M A Geisinger D B Owens T F Meaney |
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Institution: | Department of Hospital Radiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195-5103. |
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Abstract: | Fluoroscopically guided extraction of retained common duct calculi through a T-tube tract has a high success rate, low complication rate, and negligible mortality rate. It is not unduly uncomfortable and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The only disadvantage is a wait of approximately 6 weeks after surgery to let the T-tube sinus tract mature. If no T tube is present, endoscopic sphincterotomy is usually the treatment of choice. In difficult cases, the radiologist may be able to assist the endoscopist by placing a wire across the sphincter through a percutaneous transhepatic route. If endoscopic sphincterotomy is not successful or feasible, an attempt at percutaneous stone removal can be made from a transhepatic approach. A variety of new devices and dissolution agents is becoming available for stone fragmentation or reduction. |
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