Abstract
Endoscopic removal of biliary stones was successful in 820 of 862 patients (95.1%) ; 36 of 38 through the postoperative T-tube track, 744 of 780 through the peroral transpapillary route and 40 of 44 by the percutaneous transhepatic approaches. Most cases were performed by the duodenoscopic instrumentation after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). The new techniques such as electrohydraulic lithotripsy, laser beam lithotripsy and mechanical basket lithtripsy were very effective for this purpose. The complications were recognized in 45 of 780 patients (5.8%), 3 out of wich were fatal cases (0.4%). Endoscopic therapy is now the major method for the management of cholelithiasis. In the near future, bile duct stones will be completely treated by the combined use of the various nonsurgical methods.
