[Use of a high-frequency pulsed hydro jet in the percutaneous treatment of biliary tract calculi].

A new system (Broxo Jet) is described for bile duct washing to complete mechanical maneuvers during nonsurgical treatment of intra- and extrahepatic calculi. The device is connected either to a percutaneous biliary drainage catheter or to a fibroscope, and provides a high-frequency pulsating water jet. Seven patients with intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones were treated with this new technique. Complete resolution was observed in 4/7 cases. The water jet allows the mobilization of even the biggest stones and the elimination of stone debris, as well as the removing of fibrin and necrotic tissue fragments tightly attached to bile duct walls in subacute cholangitis.