ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON BILE-DUCT STONES - EXPERIENCE OF 226 CASES

Background and Study Aims: Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a widely accep ted technique for the treatment of patients with common bile duct ston es, However, it is still associated with occasional complications, The recently developed technique of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation seems to be a safe and effective procedure, and to have great potenti al for replacing endoscopic sphincterotomy. However, few reports have been published on the use of this technique for bile duct stones, The present study was undertaken to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Pati ents and Methods: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation was used to re move common bile duct stones in 226 consecutive patients including 31 patients of ASA classification III/IV 41 elderly patients (>80 years) 24 with liver cirrhosis, and 86 with periampullary diverticulum, After dilation of the papilla with a balloon diameter of 8 mm, the stones w ere retrieved. Results: In conjunction with the use of a mechanical or /and electrohydraulic lithotriptor in 79 patients (35%) with large sto nes (>10 mm in diameter), clearance of the common bile duct was achiev ed in 225 of 226 patients (99%) without serious complications, such as hemorrhage or severe pancreatitis; mild (n=13) or moderate (n=2) panc reatitis occurred in 7% of cases, C Conclusions: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation is a safe and effective technique for the treatment o f common bile duct stones, even in high-risk patients.