Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in the treatment of common bile duct stones / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the indications and efficacy of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD) in the management of choledocholithiasis. Methods EPBD combined with a retrieval basket or balloon or both was performed to remove common bile duct stones in 42 cases from April 1999 to August 2001. The length and maximum diameter of the balloon were 5 0cm and 1 2cm respectively. The number of common bile duct stones must be less than 3, and the diameter must be less than or equal to 1 0cm. The balloon was inflated at pressure of (8～12)atm for 2min two times and the corresponding dilated diameter was 1 0cm～1 2cm. Results EPBD was performed successfully in all patients. The common bile duct stones were removed in 40 out of 42 patients, including endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) in 4 patients, with the success rate being 95 2%(40/42). Stone removal failed in 2 patients. 3 cases had mild pancreatitis postoperatively. No complications such as bleeding or intestinal perforation occurred. Conclusions It is suitable to treat common bile duct stones by EPBD when the number of stones is less than 3 and the diameter is less than or equal to 1.0cm.