Endoscopy in the management of choledocholithiasis.

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2008 Apr;10(2):169-76

Authors: Gupta N, Poreddy V, Al-Kawas F

Choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones) occurs in 10% to 15% of patients with cholelithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and biliary sphincterotomy, combined with the use of a variety of available accessories (eg, mechanical lithotriptors), are highly effective in managing most common bile duct stones. The combination of biliary sphincterotomy and papillary balloon dilation allows removal of many stones without the need for mechanical lithotripsy. Large stones may require additional expertise and the use of cholangioscopy with intraductal lithotripsy. Some patients, especially those with intrahepatic stones, require the help of an interventional radiologist or a biliary surgeon. The availability of endoscopists, radiologists, and surgeons interested in and experienced with biliary diseases will allow successful and safe therapy to be tailored to the individual patient.

PMID: 18462604 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Endoscopy in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2008 Apr;10(2):177-85

Authors: McLoughlin M, Enns R

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, cholestatic liver condition characterized by progressive fibrosis and destruction of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree. PSC has a clear association with inflammatory bowel disease and is often progressive, leading to cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure. For many patients, liver transplantation offers the only hope of long-term survival. No effective medical treatment exists, and therapy is often aimed at treating complications of the disorder, including dominant biliary strictures, which may cause symptomatic jaundice, cholangitis, and pruritus. Studies on endoscopic therapy (eg, biliary dilation and/or stent insertion) have shown favorable results, although most studies have been small, retrospective, and uncontrolled. Up to 20% of patients with PSC develop cholangiocarcinoma; however, distinguishing between cholangiocarcinoma and benign strictures can be difficult. Ideally, randomized trials are required to determine the safest and most effective endoscopic management for symptomatic dominant strictures.

PMID: 18462605 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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