Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is more difficult and dangerous in patients with Billroth II (B II) gastrectomy than those with normal anatomy.
Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopic lithotomy (PTCSL) for removing common bile duct stones in B II gastrectomy patients who are difficult to perform ERCP.
Methods: This study was designed as prospectively uncontrolled in a large tertiary referral center. In 20 patients, mostly men, with bile duct stones and an earlier B II gastrectomy, PTCSL was tried because of failed ERCP and high risk. The PTCSL was performed using electrohydraulic lithotripsy or papillary balloon dilation. Successful stone removal and complications were measured.
Results: Stone removal was achieved in all 20 patients. The mean number of procedures and session time were 4.5 and 45 min, respectively. Minor PTCSL-related complications, such as fever, hemobilia, hyperamylasemia, and wound pain, occurred in five patients (25%). There were no major procedure-related complications, including perforation or mortality.
Conclusion: The PTCSL procedure is an effective and safe rescue therapy for common bile duct stones in B II gastrectomy patients with failed ERCP and high risk.