ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) occasionally fails due to surgically altered anatomy, difficult cannulation, or poor general condition. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic papillary balloon dilatation (PTPBD) for managing extrahepatic bile duct stones. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2010, 17 out of 509 patients with extrahepatic bile duct stones and acute cholangitis were enrolled retrospectively. After PTPBD of the sphincter, the stones were extracted using an occlusion balloon to push the stone over a guidewire into the duodenum. The procedure success was evaluated based on residual stones. In addition, the size and number of stones and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients, nine had a previous gastrectomy, four had poor general condition, and four had unsuccessful cannulation. The stone diameter ranged from 8 to 25 mm. Seven, five, and five patients had one, two, or three or more stones, respectively. The results were successful in 16 out of 17 patients, with no residual stones. Treatment failed in one patient, who was then treated with the rendezvous technique with endoscopy. No procedure-related major complication occurred. Three patients had mild transient elevations of the serum amylase levels. CONCLUSIONS: PTPBD was safe and effective for managing extrahepatic bile duct stones in patients with unsuccessful or contraindicated ERCP.