Percutaneous transhepatic approach for intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones: a clinical analysis of 19 cases

Objective To explore the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic approach in the treatment of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct stones. Methods Nineteen patients with bile duct stones who were treated in our hospital from January 2000 to October2014 were enrolled as subjects. In the treatment of bile duct stones,all patients received percutaneous transhepatic approach combined with the application of cholangioscopy and lithotripsy equipment. Results In the 19 patients,12 had the stones successfully removed in a single session,5 had the stones completely removed through the liver sinus in three sessions,and 2 had residual stones in intrahepatic tertiary bile ducts. The success rate of lithotomy reached 89. 47%( 17 /19). Conclusion The percutaneous transhepatic approach achieves minor surgical invasion and slight pain in the treatment of bile duct stones,which can be selectively used based on patients' condition.