EXPERIENCE WITH POSTOPERATIVE CHOLEDOCHOSCOPY USING OLYMPUS CHF TYPE 4B

Abstract

Experience with postoperative choledochoscopy using the Olympus CHF type 4B was analyzed in this paper. The Olympus CHF type 4B, 670 mm in length, has a 330 mm flexible part at the distal end. The short distal tip, 5.0 mm in diameter, deflcets 160° upward and 90° downward. This improvement has overcome not only the limitation of visula field compared with that of conventional choledochofiberscope, but also makes it easier to insert choledochofiberscope into the biliary tract through the dilated PTCD sinus tract. A basket forceps used with this fiberscope is considered to be strong enough to grasp and extract the stones, but development of several kinds of thinner forceps such as crushing forceps which can be used through the irrigation channel, 2 mm in diameter, is strongly expected. It is considered that the Olympus CHF type 4B is a very useful tool for management of retained biliary tract stones and intrahepatic stones.