Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in cirrhotic patients: removal of common bile duct stones without sphincterotomy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is a less invasive alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). This study reviews a series of cirrhotic patients with bile duct stones who were treated with EPBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

EPBD was used to remove common bile duct stones in nine cirrhotic patients (one in Child-Pugh grade A, four in grade B, and four in grade C). After the papilla was dilated with balloon-tipped catheter, the stones were removed with a retrieval basket catheter or a retrieval balloon, or both. Mechanical lithotripsy was required in two patients with stones of more than 1 cm in diameter.

RESULTS

Clearance of the common bile duct was achieved in all patients without any serious complications such as hemorrhage or perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that EPBD is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of common bile duct stones in patients with liver cirrhosis.