BACKGROUND/AIMS: Today, different endoscopic techniques are available to treat @entity2877 . These techniques include mechanical lithotripsy (ML), electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), laserlithotripsy (LL), and extracorporal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). These techniques have to compete with laparoscopic stone removal which is performed with increasing frequency at some centers. METHODOLOGY: We report the results of treatment of @entity2877 and compare the results with a meta-analysis of studies in whom endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques were applied. From 1994-1995, 217 @entity1 with symptomatic @entity2877 were treated using endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). RESULTS: Overall, complete stone removal was successful in 98% of all @entity1 and only 5 @entity1 had to undergo surgery. @entity5990 was achieved in 70% during the first ERC session. In 47 @entity1 consecutive ERC sessions with application of EML, EHL, or ESWL were necessary to completely remove the stones. Complication rate was 5% and included @entity788 and @entity548 from papillotomy. There was no procedure-related mortality. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that today ERC remains the treatment of choice in most @entity1 with symptomatic @entity2877 .

Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity788 :: ('MESH:D010190', 'Disease') :: ['pancreatitis'] @entity548 :: ('MESH:D006470', 'Disease') :: ['bleeding'] @entity5990 :: ('MESH:D042882', 'Disease') :: ['Complete endoscopic removal of stones'] @entity2877 :: ('MESH:D042883', 'Disease') :: ['choledocholithiasis']
@entity2877 :: (MESH:D042883,Disease) :: ['choledocholithiasis']
