Washout of small stones in the bile duct by saline infusion using a side-holed balloon catheter in patients undergoing endoscopic papillary balloon dilation

Background: Complete bile duct clearance of stones should be achieved in pa tients managed with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation. However, complet e retrieval of small stones or tiny fragments sometimes proves difficult us ing conventional devices. Methods: We attempted the removal of fine stone fragments by saline infusio n using a specially designed retrieval balloon catheter with a blind tip an d a side hole located proximal to the balloon in 14 patients. Results: Using this technique, bile duct clearance was achieved in a single attempt in 13 of 14 patients; 2 attempts were required in 1 patient. Chole cystitis occurred in 2 patients with gallstones in situ after the procedure . Conclusions: Saline washout using a side-holed retrieval balloon catheter e ffectively cleans stones and stone fragments from the bile duct in patients treated with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation.