A prospective study of the efficacy of endoscopic biliary stenting on common bile duct stones

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic biliary stenting on common bile duct stones. METHODS: Fifty patients with choledocholithiasis were treated with endoscopic biliary stenting and followed. The early and late outcome was assessed. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients and there was only one patient with mild pancreatitis. The patency rates of stent at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after biliary stenting were 94%, 79% and 58%, respectively. The rate of reduction in size of stone was 60%. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic biliary stenting was not a definitive treatment of choledocholithiasis. It may be an option for patients clinically unfit for definitive treatment.