Evaluation of a combined percutaneous-endoscopic procedure for the treatment of choledocholithiasis and benign papillary stenosis.

In 19 patients suffering from choledocholithiasis or papillary stenosis, retrograde cholangiography or sphincterotomy failed because of anatomic abnormalities. In such cases, sphincterotomy was then performed with the assistance of a percutaneous catheter. Two complications were observed: moderate bleeding from the transhepatic drain, and a retroperitoneal perforation needing surgery. This combined procedure is very efficient, but gives rise to complications of both the transhepatic and endoscopic routes.