Clinical comparison of extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy (EPL) and intracorporeal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) in difficult bile duct stones. A prospective randomized trial

Cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy versus laser lithotripsy for the treatment of choledocholithiasis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic management of large bile duct stones may be challenging and refractory to standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques. To this end, per-oral cholangioscopy (POC)-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) or laser lithotripsy (LL) has been increasingly utilized during ERCP. There are limited data, however, comparing EHL and LL in the management of choledocholithiasis. Therefore, the aim was to analyze and compare the efficacy of POC-guided EHL and LL for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

A database search on PubMed was performed selecting prospective English-language articles published by September 20th, 2022, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies selected included bile duct clearance as an outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 21 prospective studies (15 using LL, 4 using EHL, and 2 both) including 726 patients were included for analysis. Complete ductal clearance was achieved in 639 (88%) patients with 87 (12%) patients having incomplete ductal clearance. Patients treated with LL had an overall median stone clearance success rate of 91.0% (IQR, 82.7-95.5), whereas EHL achieved a median stone clearance success rate of 75.8% (IQR, 74.0-82.4), [p = .03].

CONCLUSIONS

LL is a highly effective form of POC-guided lithotripsy for the treatment of large bile duct stones, particularly when compared to EHL. However, direct, head-to-head randomized trials are needed to identify the most effective form of lithotripsy for treating refractory choledocholithiasis.

Factors Influencing Performance of Cholangioscopy-Guided Lithotripsy Including Available Different Technologies: A Prospective Multicenter Study with 94 Patients

BACKGROUND

Peroral cholangioscopy (POC)-guided lithotripsy is an effective treatment for difficult biliary stones. A clear definition of factors associated with the efficacy of POC-guided lithotripsy in one session and the performance of electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) and laser lithotripsy (LL) have not clearly emerged.

METHODS

This was a non-randomized prospective multicenter study of all consecutive patients who underwent POC lithotripsy (using EHL and/or LL) for difficult biliary stones. The primary endpoint of the study was the number of sessions needed to achieve complete ductal clearance and the factors associated with this outcome. Secondary endpoints included the evaluated efficacies of LL and EHL.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients underwent 113 procedures of EHL or LL. Complete ductal clearance was obtained in 93/94 patients (98.94%). In total, 80/94 patients (85.11%) achieved stone clearance in a single session. In the multivariate analysis, stone size was independently associated with the need for multiple sessions to achieve complete ductal clearance (odds ratio = 1.146, 95% confidence interval: 1.055-1.244; p = 0.001). Using ROC curves and the Youden index, 22 mm was found to be the optimal cutoff for stone size (95% confidence interval: 15.71-28.28; p < 0.001). The majority of the patients (62.8%) underwent LL in the first session. Six patients failed the first session with EHL after using two probes and therefore were crossed over to LL, obtaining ductal clearance in a single additional session with a single LL fiber. EHL was significantly associated with a larger number of probes (2.0 vs. 1.02) to achieve ductal clearance (p < 0.01). The mean procedural time was significantly longer for EHL than for LL [72.1 (SD 16.3 min) versus 51.1 (SD 10.5 min)] (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

POC is highly effective for difficult biliary stones. Most patients achieved complete ductal clearance in one session, which was significantly more likely for stones < 22 mm. EHL was significantly associated with the need for more probes and a longer procedural time to achieve ductal clearance.

Combination of electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laparoscopy for gallbladder access in type III Mirizzi syndrome

INTRODUCTION

A 50-year-old Japanese man presented with obstructive jaundice. We performed endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage before biliary decompression. CT showed a thickened gallbladder wall with low-density areas and a 35-mm gallstone; the stone was impacted in the gallbladder neck and cystic duct. The patient was therefore diagnosed with Mirizzi syndrome (type II or III) and scheduled for laparoscopic treatment. We performed subtotal cholecystectomy and intraoperative choledochoscopy because we recognized a fistula between the gallbladder and common bile duct preoperatively.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

We opened the ductus choledochus, and a choledochoscope was introduced under laparoscopic guidance. An electrohydraulic lithotripsy probe with irrigation was passed through the choledochoscope to extract the gallstone.

DISCUSSION

This fragmentation technique is effective for impacted large stones observed in Mirizzi syndrome. Therefore, electrohydraulic lithotripsy with laparoscopy is effective in cases of difficult gallbladder access such as that that occurs in type II or III Mirizzi syndrome.

A review of treatment options for bile duct stones

Approximately 10-15% of bile duct stones cannot be treated using conventional stone removal techniques. For difficult common bile duct stones (CBDS), various endoscopic techniques have been developed. This review covers technical tips and endoscopic treatments including Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), particularly under Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. Areas covered: Literatures about endoscopic treatment for bile duct stone were searched in Pub Med. As novel methods, EUS-guided approaches have also been reported, although long-term results and prospective evaluation are not yet sufficient. Large stones may need fragmentation prior to removal, to prevent stone impaction. To perform fragmentation, mechanical lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy techniques are available. Expert commentary: Despite the fact that most bile duct stones can be treated using endoscopic techniques, endoscopists should remind to be able to select the temporary biliary stenting or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage as an option.

Efficacy of spyglass-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy in difficult bile duct stones

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spyglass-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) for difficult common bile duct stones (CBD) not amenable to conventional endoscopic therapy.

DESIGN

A retrospective study evaluating the efficacy of Spyglass-guided EHL in treating difficult CBD stones, in a single tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent Spyglass-guided EHL from 2012 to 2013 were compared with a historical cohort who had ECSWL.

RESULTS

A total number of 13 patients underwent Spyglass-guided EHL, 8 (61.5%) of them were males. The mean age was 46.5 ± 5.6 years. Bile duct clearance was achieved in 13 (100%) of them. Seventy-six percent required only one Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to clear the CBD, 7.7% required two ERCPs, and 15.4% required three ERCPs. Adverse effects (cholangitis) occurred in one patient (10%), whereas only 30 patients (64.4%) of the ESWL group had complete CBD stone clearance. Thirty-seven percent required one ERCP to clear the CBD, 35.6% required two ERCPs, and 20% required three ERCPs. Adverse effects happened in seven (15.5%) patients, where five (11%) had cholangitis and two (4.4%) had pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

Although a retrospective design with a small sample size, we concluded that Spyglass-guided EHL is an effective procedure in treating difficult CBD stones.

Modern management of common bile duct stones

It is imperative for gastroenterologists to understand the different formations of bile duct stones and the various medical treatments available. To minimize the complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), it is critical to appropriately assess the risk of bile duct stones before intervention. Biliary endoscopists should be comfortable with the basic techniques of stone removal, including sphincterotomy, mechanical lithotripsy, and stent placement. It is important to be aware of advanced options, including laser and electrohydraulic stone fragmentation, and papillary dilatation for problematic cases. The timing and need for ERCP in those who require a cholecystectomy is also a consideration.

Usefulness of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy for removal of difficult common bile duct stones

Background/Aims

Approximately 5% to 10% of common bile duct (CBD) stones are difficult to remove by conventional endoscopic methods. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy (PTCSL) can be an alternative method for this condition, but is not well established yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of PTCSL for removal of difficult CBD stones.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of 34 consecutive patients who underwent unsuccessful removal of CBD stones using conventional endoscopic methods between December 2008 and July 2010 and were subsequently treated using PTCSL.

Results

Among 443 patients with CBD stones, 34 patients (7.8%) failed to achieve stone removal using conventional endoscopic methods. Of these 34 patients, 33 were treated using PTCSL. In all 33 cases (100%), complete stone removal was achieved using PTCSL. Most complications (15/17, 88.2%) were mild and transient. Major complications occurred in two patients (6.1%) who experienced hemobilia, and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tract disruption, respectively; which were fully recovered without mortality.

Conclusions

Despite prolonged hospital stay and temporary decline of quality of life, PTCSL is an effective and safe method in the management of difficult CBD stones, especially in patients with difficulty in approaching the affected bile duct.

Endoscopic management of difficult common bile duct stones

Endoscopy is widely accepted as the first treatment option in the management of bile duct stones. In this review we focus on the alternative endoscopic modalities for the management of difficult common bile duct stones. Most biliary stones can be removed with an extraction balloon, extraction basket or mechanical lithotripsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy or mechanical lithotripsy has been shown to be effective for management of difficult to remove bile duct stones in selected patients. Ductal clearance can be safely achieved with peroral cholangioscopy guided laser or electrohydraulic lithotripsy in most cases where other endoscopic treatment modalities have failed. Biliary stenting may be an alternative treatment option for frail and elderly patients or those with serious co morbidities.

Endoscopic extraction of large common bile duct stones: A review article

Since therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography replaced surgery as the first approach in cases of choledocolithiasis, a plethora of endoscopic techniques and devices appeared in order to facilitate rapid, safe and effective bile duct stones extraction. Nowadays, endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with balloon catheters and/or baskets is the routine endoscopic technique for stone extraction in the great majority of patients. Large common bile duct stones are treated conventionally with mechanical lithotripsy, while the most serious complication of the procedure is “basket and stone impaction” that is predominately resolved surgically. In cases of difficult, impacted, multiple or intrahepatic stones, more sophisticated procedures have been used. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy are performed using conventional mother-baby scope systems, ultra-thin cholangioscopes, thin endoscopes and ultimately using the novel single use, single operator SpyGlass Direct Visualization System, in order to deliver intracorporeal shock wave energy to fragment the targeted stone, with very good outcomes. Recently, large balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy confirmed its effectiveness in the extraction of large stones in a plethora of trials. When compared with mechanical lithotripsy or with balloon dilation alone, it proved to be superior. Moreover, dilation is an ideal alternative in cases of altered anatomy where access to the papilla is problematic. Endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by large balloon dilation represents the onset of a new era in large bile duct stone extraction and the management of “impaction” because it seems that is an effective, inexpensive, less traumatic, safe and easy method that does not require sophisticated apparatus and can be performed widely by skillful endoscopists. When complete extraction of large stones is unsuccessful, the drainage of the common bile duct is mandatory either for bridging to the final therapy or as a curative therapy for very elderly patients with short life expectancy. Placing of more than one plastic endoprostheses is better while the administration of Ursodiol is ineffective. The great majority of patients with large stones can be treated endoscopically. In cases of unsuccessful stone extraction using balloons, baskets, mechanical lithotripsy, electrohydraulic or laser lithotripsy and large balloon dilation, the patient should be referred for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or a percutaneous approach and finally surgery.

The successful use of peroral cholangioscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of the biliary tract lesions and giant bile duct stones in a 76-year-old man

We encountered a case in whom peroral cholangioscopy was useful for the diagnosis and treatment of irregular biliary tract mucosa and giant bile duct stones. Peroral cholangioscopy seems to improve the diagnosis of biliary tract diseases and allow internal treatment. The proper diagnosis of biliary tract diseases may be further confirmed by the concomitant use of narrow band imaging and this endoscopic technology.

Choledochoscopy-assisted intraductal shock wave lithotripsy

In more than 90% of choledocholithiasis cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy and stone extraction are successful therapeutic options for clearance of the bile duct with the use of a stone retrieval balloon or basket. However, these techniques fail in a small percentage of patients with biliary stones, and advanced techniques for fragmentation must be used. Intraductal shock wave lithotripsy offers the endoscopist a therapeutic option that may be effective despite the difficulties of a large, impacted stone that cannot be captured by a basket, or a stricture that prohibits delivery of a stone beyond it. This article reviews the use of electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy in the clinical setting.

Piezoelectric extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for bile duct stone formation after choledochal cyst excision

We report a case of bile duct stones in which piezoelectric extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) was highly effective for the clearance of stones. A 16-year-old girl, who had undergone excision of a choledochal cyst when she was 3 years old, presented a spiking fever and colic abdominal pain. Radiological investigations showed two large stones incarcerating to the proximal end of hepatico-jejunostomy anastomosis. Massive debris was also present in intrahepatic bile duct proximal to the anastomosis. She underwent piezoelectric ESWL with an EDAP LT02 lithotripter. An average of 40 min ESWL session was repeated at intervals of 2 or 3 days. Neither anesthetic nor sedative treatment was required. By the end of the sixth session, the stones incarcerated were fragmented and the debris in the intrahepatic bile duct was completely eliminated. We conclude that piezoelectric ESWL is a less invasive, effective and repeatable method, therefore, it could be a treatment of choice for bile duct stone formation after choledochal cyst excision.

Preclinical characterization of the Spyglass peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy system for direct access, visualization, and biopsy

BACKGROUND

Current cholangioscopes are restricted to 2 deflection angles and require more than 1 operator. The newly developed Spyglass peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy system provides 4-way deflected steering by a single operator.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate access and biopsy in all simulated biliary-duct quadrants with the Spyglass system, high-level disinfection of the reusable Spyglass optical probe, and feasibility of in vivo biopsy.

DESIGN

Laboratory simulations comparing biliary-duct access and biopsy with the Spyglass versus a conventional system, laboratory determination of high-level disinfection effectiveness, and observational investigation of biopsies in a porcine model.

SETTING

Research laboratories.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for successful access to all quadrants and simulated biopsy.

RESULTS

Success rates for access in all quadrants were significantly higher with the Spyglass system than with the control system, both without (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.39-2.29) and with (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.56-2.78) biopsy forceps loaded. Higher success rates were also attained by using the Spyglass system to access biopsy targets (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.60-2.91) and to perform simulated biopsies (RR 2.94, 95% CI 2.05-4.52). Microbial species log reductions of 6.0 to 7.0 were achieved by high-level disinfection of Spyglass optical probes. In 31 in vivo porcine biopsies yielding adequate gross specimens, the quality for histologic examination was excellent to adequate for 90% of specimens.

LIMITATIONS

Study procedures were performed by a single nonblinded operator. All data were collected ex vivo or in animals, and clinical applicability remains to be determined.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spyglass system allows access and biopsy in all quadrants and merits clinical investigation.

An audit of the outcome of long-term biliary stenting in the treatment of common bile duct stones in a general hospital

BACKGROUND

This study audited the clinical outcome of a cohort of patients with choledocholithiasis treated with long-term biliary stenting in order to determine the feasibility of this practice.

METHODS

Over 2 years, 83 patients with symptomatic choledocholithiasis were treated with long-term stenting because they either refused further treatments or were medically unfit for further procedures after the initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Recurrence of clinical events, need for stent change, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. As a secondary analysis, published data on long-term biliary stenting were reviewed.

RESULTS

ERCP and biliary stenting were successful in all cases with no complications. The mean follow-up was 19 months (1-103 months). The median number of ERCPs performed was 1 (1-4). The mean duration of stent patency was 12.4 months (1-54.8 months). A total of 28 clinical events (cholangitis, 71%) occurred in 24 patients during follow-up, for a late complication rate of 33.7%. ERCP was repeated and the stents changed on 15 occasions in 11 asymptomatic patients with abnormal liver function tests detected on routine follow-up. No biliary-related mortality occurred. Review of published data revealed a mean late complication rate of 22.4% (0%-64%), a biliary-related mortality rate of 3.5% (0%-21.1%), and a nonbiliary-related mortality rate of 20.8% (0%-60.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term biliary stenting is a feasible option for patients who decline or are medically unfit for further elective endoscopic or surgical procedures. Close follow-up is mandatory to detect and treat late complications.

Gallstone disease: Symptoms, diagnosis and endoscopic management of common bile duct stones

Bile duct stones (BDS) are often suspected on history and clinical examination alone but symptoms may be variable ranging from asymptomatic to complications such as biliary colic, pancreatitis, jaundice or cholangitis. The majority of BDS can be diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance cholangiography prior to endoscopic or laparoscopic removal. Approximately 90% of BDS can be removed following endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC)+sphincterotomy. Most of the remaining stones can be removed using mechanical lithotripsy. Patients with uncorrected coagulopathies may be treated with ERC+pneumatic dilatation of the sphincter of Oddi. Shockwave lithotripsy (intraductal and extracorporeal) and laser lithotripsy have also been used to fragment large bile duct stones prior to endoscopic removal. The role of medical therapy in treatment of BDS is currently uncertain. This review focuses on the clinical presentation, investigation and current management of BDS.

Electrohydraulic lithotripsy in 111 patients: a safe and effective therapy for difficult bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Choledocholithiasis and intrahepatic bile duct stones pose a significant health hazard, especially in the elderly. The large stone not removable with conventional endoscopic techniques, can be effectively and safely managed with electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL).

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of consecutive patients at the Wellesley Central Hospital and St. Michael's Hospital, who underwent peroral endoscopic fragmentation of bile duct stones with EHL under direct cholangioscopic control using a "mother-baby" endoscopic system between October 1990 and March 2002.

RESULTS

To date, 111 patients have been analyzed. Of the 111 patients reviewed, 94 patients have had complete records and were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 26.2 months (range 0-80). Prior to EHL, 93 of 94 patients (99%) had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and failed standard stone extraction techniques (mean 1.9 ERCPs/patient, range 0-5). Indications for EHL were large stones (81 patients) or a narrow caliber bile duct below a stone of average size (13 patients). Successful fragmentation (61 complete, 28 partial) was achieved in 89 of 93 patients (96%) (1 patient was excluded from analysis due to a broken endoscope). Fragmentation failures were due to targeting problems (2 patients) and hard stones (2 patients). Seventy-six percent of patients required 1 EHL session, 14% required 2 sessions, and 10% required 3 or more. All patients with successful stone fragmentation required post-EHL balloon or basket extraction of fragments. Complications included: cholangitis and/or jaundice (13 patients); mild hemobilia (1 patient); mild post-ERCP pancreatitis (1 patient); biliary leak (1 patient); and bradycardia (1 patient). There were no deaths related to EHL. Final stone clearance was achieved in 85 of 94 patients (90%).

CONCLUSIONS

EHL via peroral endoscopic choledochoscopy is a highly successful and safe technique for use in the management of difficult choledocholithiasis and intrahepatic stones. This study has shown a stone fragmentation rate of 96% (89 of 93 patients), and a final stone clearance rate of 90% (85 of 94 patients).

Retained common bile duct stones: a comparison between biliary stenting and complete clearance of stones by electrohydraulic lithotripsy

BACKGROUND

There is some uncertainty as to whether high-risk patients with difficult common bile duct stones should be subjected to a further endoscopic procedure for the complete removal of stones by electrohydraulic lithotripsy or whether permanent biliary stenting should be performed.

AIM

To compare the outcome of permanent biliary stenting with electrohydraulic lithotripsy in this group of patients.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 36 patients with difficult common bile duct stones were investigated: 19 underwent double pigtail insertion (stent group), whereas 17 underwent complete clearance of stones (electrohydraulic lithotripsy).

RESULTS

In the electrohydraulic lithotripsy group, successful stone clearance was achieved in 76.5%, whereas, in the stent group, the success of stenting was 94.7%. A significant difference was detected in the actuarial incidence of recurrent acute cholangitis when the electrohydraulic lithotripsy group was compared with the stent group [one patient (7.7%) vs. 12 patients (63.2%), respectively; P = 0.002, log rank test]. A significant difference was detected in the actuarial frequency of mortality between the electrohydraulic lithotripsy and stent groups [seven patients (41.2%) vs. 14 patients (73.7%), respectively; P = 0.01, log rank test].

CONCLUSIONS

The removal of difficult common bile duct stones by electrohydraulic lithotripsy and further endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has a high success rate and a low complication rate even in the elderly.

Spatial and temporal variations in the magnetic fields produced by human gastrointestinal activity

Magnetoenterography (MENG) is a new, non-invasive technique that measures gastrointestinal magnetic signals near the body surface. This study was undertaken to evaluate the temporal and spatial characteristics of the magnetic signals generated by gastric and duodenal slow wave activity. The gastrointestinal magnetic fields of eight normal subjects were measured for 60 minutes in both the fasting and fed state using 36 magnetic sensors simultaneously. The results were displayed as a succession of maps over time showing the temporal evolution of the spatial distribution of the signal over the upper abdomen. In all subjects, slow wave activity of the stomach centred at 3.0 +/- 0.5 cycles min-1 in both the fasting and fed state was observed. The duodenal signal at 11.0 +/- 1.0 cycles min-1 was observed in four subjects. The spatial distribution of these two signals is distinctly different. The observed spatial and temporal variations are described in terms of a model used previously to explain the potentials observed in electrogastrography (EGG).

Clinical application of a new disposable lithotripter: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Mechanical lithotripsy has become a well-accepted method of bile duct stone fragmentation and removal. The Olympus lithotripter (Olympus American, Melville, NY) is the standard reusable lithotripter at the institutions that participated in this study. A disposable device with a preassembled pistol grip may perform equally well and facilitate operation.

METHODS

Twenty patients with bile duct stones were evaluated as part of a multicenter prospective study. Data were obtained regarding stone size and number, bile duct diameter, and configuration, ease of cannulation, basket function, stone capture and crushing success, and complications.

RESULTS

The maximum stone size averaged 16.5 +/- 1.2 mm (range 10 to 30 mm). Sixteen patients had multiple stones (median 5, range 2 to 12). The mean bile duct diameter was 20.5 +/- 1.5 mm (range 12 to 38 mm). Cannulation was successful in all within 5 attempts. Basket deployment failed in 1 patient because of stone size and the basket was misshapen in 14. Bile duct clearance was complete in 16 subjects (80%), incomplete in 2 patients, and failed in 2 patients. Abnormal duct configuration (sigmoid, stricture) was noted in 2 of 4 patients with failed capture and 7 of 16 patients with successful clearance. No statistically significant difference was observed between the bile duct diameter, maximum stone size, number of stones, and successful clearance.

CONCLUSION

The disposable lithotripter is easy to use and, compared with the published results for the reusable lithotripter, performs almost as well.

Randomized study of intracorporeal laser lithotripsy versus extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy for difficult bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic treatment modalities are well established for the removal of bile duct stones. For the small percentage of stones that are difficult or impossible to extract by conventional means, more sophisticated endoscopic techniques or associated modalities such as intracorporeal laser lithotripsy (ILL) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) have to be applied. Little is known, however, about the relative value of these different techniques. We therefore compared endoscopic ILL with ESWL in patients with difficult bile duct stones in a prospective randomized study.

METHODS

The study included 60 patients (35 women; mean age 70+/-15 years) with bile duct stones in whom standard extraction failed (n=33) or in whom the papilla was not accessible, thus requiring percutaneous access (n=27). They were randomized to receive ESWL under fluoroscopic targeting (maximum discharge number per session: 6000) or ILL using a pulsed dye laser with an automatic stone recognition system, which was mostly performed (28 of 30 cases) under cholangioscopic control. Endoscopic removal of fragments was attempted within the subsequent (ESWL) or the same (ILL) session. Failure was defined as failure to remove all ductal stones/fragments after a maximum of three lithotripsy sessions.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences in background variables between the two groups. Bile duct clearance was achieved in 22 of 30 patients (73%) in the ESWL group and in 29 of 30 patients (97%) in the ILL group (p < 0.05). The number of treatment sessions (ESWL 3.0+/-1.3; ILL 1.2+/-0.4; p < 0.001) and the duration of treatment (ESWL 3.9+/-3.5 days; ILL 0.9+/-2.3 days; p < 0.001) were also significantly different in favor of ILL. Two minor complications occurred in each group; there was no 30-day mortality. Crossover therapy to ILL led to stone removal in seven of the eight cases in which ESWL failed, whereas ESWL fragmented the stone in the single patient in whom ILL failed.

CONCLUSIONS

ILL is more effective in the treatment of difficult bile duct stones than ESWL in terms of stone clearance rate and treatment duration.

Fluoroscopically guided laser lithotripsy versus extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for retained bile duct stones: a prospective randomised study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To compare extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and laser induced shock wave lithotripsy (LISL) of retained bile duct stones to stone free rate, number of therapeutic sessions, and costs.

PATIENTS

Thirty four patients were randomly assigned to either ESWL or LISL therapy. The main reasons for failure of standard endoscopy were due to stone impaction (n = 12), biliary stricture (n = 8), or large stone diameter (n = 14).

METHODS

An extracorporeal piezoelectic lithotripter with ultrasonic guidance and a rhodamine 6G laser with an integrated stone tissue detection system were used. LISL was performed exclusively under radiological control.

RESULTS

Using the initial methods complete stone fragmentation was achieved in nine of 17 patients (52.4%) of the ESWL group and in 14 of 17 patients (82.4%) in the LISL group, or combined with additional fragmentation techniques 31 of the 34 patients (91.2%) were stone free at the end of treatment. In comparison LISL tended to be more efficient in clearing the bile ducts (p = 0.07, NS). Significantly less fragmentation sessions (1.29 v 2.82; p = 0.0001) and less additional endoscopic sessions (0.65 v 1.6; p = 0.002) were necessary in the LISL group. There were no major complications in either procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with ESWL, fluoroscopically guided LISL achieves stone disintegration more rapidly and with significantly less treatment sessions, which leads to a significant reduction in cost.

Management of retained bile duct stones: a prospective open trial comparing extracorporeal and intracorporeal lithotripsy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic management of common bile duct stones has become the approach of choice, especially in patients with high surgical risk. Problems are encountered if there are large stones or a duct stenosis. For these difficult stones, shock wave technology serves as an alternative to surgical intervention.

METHODS

A total of 125 patients with common bile duct stones in whom conventional endoscopic treatment had failed were selected and treated either by extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy (ESWL, n = 79) or intracorporeal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL, n = 46). The average age of our patients was 70 years.

RESULTS

In the ESWL group visualization of the stones by ultrasound and ensuing treatment were possible in 71 out of 79 patients (90%); stones could be fragmented in 68 patients. The biliary tree could then be completely freed of calculi in 62 of 79 patients, a success rate of 78.5%. In the EHL group, stones were successfully fragmented in 38 of 46 patients; 34 patients (74%) eventually became stone free. Thirty-day mortality was zero in both groups. Combined treatment including ESWL, EHL, and intracorporeal laser lithotripsy was finally successful in 118 patients (94%).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic management in combination with the lithotripsy techniques described can be recommended as the method of choice for treating difficult common bile duct stones. A success rate of almost 100% and a mortality rate of 0% is now the established standard, even in elderly and unstable patients.