BACKGROUND: Cholangioscopic lithotomy (CSL) for hepatolithiasis, a minimally invasive procedure, has a place in complicated or recurrent hepatolithiasis. CSL itself, however, carries inherent risk for recurrence. We analyzed follow-up data after CSL for primary or repeat hepatolithiasis to determine the frequency of recurrence. METHODS: This retrospective analysis includes 21 @entity1 with hepatolithiasis admitted to the hospital from September 1992 to December 1995 who underwent CSL. Through a percutaneous biliary drainage route, cholangioscopy was inserted to remove @entity1608 with basket forceps or electrohydraulic lithotripter. Stenotic ducts, defined as less than 2 mm in diameter, were dilated with @entity1346 rubber stenting or a balloon dilator. RESULTS: Ten @entity1 were treated for primary hepatolithiasis and 11 for repeat hepatolithiasis. Of the @entity1 with primary hepatolithiasis, one died of complications and the other nine @entity1 underwent complete lithotomy. Among 11 @entity1 who had repeat hepatolithiasis, four had undergone hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis and two previous CSLs; 10 @entity1 (91%) underwent complete lithotomy. During the follow-up, four (40%) of the 10 @entity1 with @entity850 at the time of cholangioscopic treatment showed recurrent @entity1608 , whereas all eight @entity1 without @entity850 had uneventful courses. Of the 19 @entity1 who underwent complete lithotomy, @entity1608 recurred in four (21%), three cases of which recurred less than 1 year after CSL. CONCLUSIONS: Against hepatolithiasis of primary and postoperative repeat cases, CSL can allow complete lithotomy. The bile duct @entity850 , however, carries a high risk for recurrent @entity1608 ; hence, permanent relief of @entity850 is mandatory.

Hepatolithiasis: outcome of cholangioscopic lithotomy and dilation of bile duct XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity1346 :: ('MESH:D012828', 'Chemical') :: ['silicone'] @entity850 :: ('MESH:D003251', 'Disease') :: ['stricture', 'biliary stenosis'] @entity1608 :: ('MESH:D002137', 'Disease') :: ['calculi']
@entity850 :: (MESH:D003251,Disease) :: ['stricture']
