PERCUTANEOUS TRANS-HEPATIC CHOLANGIOSCOPY AND LITHOTRIPSY IN THE TREATMENT OF INTRAHEPATIC STONES - A STUDY WITH 5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Background: Intrahepatic stones are characterized by high treatment fa ilure and recurrence rates. In the past, surgery played a major role i n the management of this disease, but surgical intervention may not be feasible in previously operated patients or those classified as poor surgical risks. The development of percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangi oscopy and lithotripsy has played an important role in the treatment o f these patients. Methods: We reviewed our results in 165 patients wit h intrahepatic stones treated by percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangios copy and lithotripsy in the past 12 years. Results: The rate of comple te stone removal was 80% (132 cases) and the rate of recurrent biliary stones after a mean 58 month follow-up interval was 32.6% (43 of 132 cases). There were 2 deaths during the treatment period and 10 deaths during follow-up. Conclusions: Percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiosco py and lithotripsy are good alternatives in treating primary intrahepa tic stones, especially for those patients unsuitable for surgery.