Peroral cholangioscopic treatment of hepatolithiasis: Long-term results.

BACKGROUND

Peroral cholangioscopic lithotomy is an effective treatment for extrahepatic bile duct stones. However, an evaluation of the usefulness and long-term results of peroral cholangioscopic lithotomy for hepatolithiasis has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and long-term results of peroral cholangioscopic lithotomy for hepatolithiasis.

METHODS

From August 1987 to July 1998, 36 consecutive patients underwent peroral cholangioscopic lithotomy for hepatolithiasis; 34 were followed for a mean of 93 months (range, 14 to 164 months).

RESULTS

The rate of complete stone removal was 64%; the morbidity rate was 2.8%. The recurrence rate for patients in whom stones were completely removed was 21.7%. Two patients (5.9%) had cholangiocarcinoma develop during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Although incomplete stone removal and recurrence are common, peroral cholangioscopic lithotomy is a sufficiently safe and effective method for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.