Abstract
Background and aims : Endoscopic lithotomy and surgery for the confluence stone are difficult. We studied the efficacy of endoscopic lithotomy for confluence stone. Methods : Endoscopic lithotomy was performed in 15 patients. We also studied the coexisting diseases, the success rate of endoscopic lithotomy, the period of treatment and the frequency of treatment. Result : Stones were detected in the intrahepatic duct in two patients, and the carcinoma of the gallbladder was detected in one. The stones could be removed in all cases. The period of treatment was 12-52 (average 26.8) days and the procedure was performed in 4-9 (average 5.9) sessions. In eleven cases, there were also stones in the gallbladder, which could be removed during the same period in six cases. EHL enables the crushing of huge stones not removed by basket forceps and not crushed by ESWL. Conclusion : We conclude that confluence stone can be removed by selection of appropriate endoscopic lithotomy.
