Transhepatic laser lithotripsy of choledocholithiasis: initial clinical experience

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 1991 Aug;2(3):387-91. doi: 10.1016/s1051-0443(91)72268-9.

Abstract

Three patients with symptomatic intra- and extrahepatic choledocholithiasis who were not good candidates for retrograde endoscopy, surgery, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) were treated successfully with endoscopically guided tunable dye laser lithotripsy via a 12-F transhepatic sheath. There were no complications secondary to the use of the laser. On the basis of this initial experience, transhepatic laser lithotripsy is a technically feasible and safe alternative when choledocholithiasis cannot be managed with retrograde endoscopy, ESWL, or surgery. Its role in the management of choledocholithiasis relative to other transhepatic techniques remains to be determined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cholangiography
  • Female
  • Gallstones / diagnostic imaging
  • Gallstones / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Lithotripsy / methods*
  • Lithotripsy, Laser*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged