Intracorporeal electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy of common bile duct stones: preliminary results in 7 cases.

We performed contact endobiliary electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy in 7 high-risk patient with unextractable common bile duct stones after EPT. The lithotripsy electrode was brought into contact with the stone through a percutaneous transhepatic approach in 5 cases and an endoscopic route in 5 cases. Firing of the shock wave was performed under fluoroscopic control in 4 patients and under endoscopic guidance via a transhepatic percutaneous cholangioscopy in 2 and peroral cholangioscopy in one case. Stones were fragmented in all the cases but one. Fragments were evacuated into the duodenum by simple lavage through the transhepatic drain in 5 cases, and by duodenoscopy in one. In 2 patients, hemobilia, which was controlled by transfusions, was observed. This type of percutaneous contact lithotripsy requires multiple maneuvers, which increase the risk and the hospital stay. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is simpler, but also has disadvantages. Peroral lithotripsy under endoscopic control performed immediately after EPT would be the most practical solution, but this technique implies the use of new fiberscopes and other energy supplies that are easier to handle.