Retained intrahepatic stones. Use of the U tube during repeated nonoperative stone extractions.

Of 355 patients undergoing nonoperative extraction procedures for retained bile duct stones, 61 patients had intrahepatic calculi. In seven of these patients with multiple intrahepatic stones and two of them with additional hepatic duct strictures.trahepatic stones, a U tube was placed. Insertion of a U tube is particularly useful if multiple sittings are required for intrahepatic stone removal. The U tube can be inserted postoperatively and permits ease of operation from two sides, particulary if stricture dilation is required before stone removal. With the use of the U tube, inadvertent removal has not occurred and patients are able to work and shower between extraction procedures. Indwelling U tubes are readily replaced over a guide wire. This technique was used with good success and for long periods of time in seven patients, all with multiple intrahepatic stones and two of them with additional hepatic duct strictures.