[Endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis].

Since its introduction 10 years ago, endoscopic removal of gallstones from the common bile duct has become a widely accepted method. The procedure is successful in approximately 90% of cases. Complications occur in 5-10%, with a reported mortality of 1-2%. Endoscopic removal of gallstones from the common bile duct appears to be the method of choice in the treatment of patients with previous cholecystectomy. Other important indications are acute cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis.