A nation-wide survey of hepatolithiasis

Abstract

We conducted a nation-wide survey to elucidate the characteristics of hepatolithiasis by sending questionnaires. Two-hundred and ten patients with hepatolithiasis were identified for current 2 years. Compared to the previous elucidation, the cases underwent a surgical operation in biliary tract increased and the cases treated by endoscopic retrograde technique via duodenal papilla of Vater increased. According to the guideline regarding gallstone disease edited the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy is recommended to a patient underwent with surgery. However, ERCP technique by using double balloon endoscopy may make possible extraction of intrahepatic biliary stones. Furthermore, the increase of endoscopic treatment brings the occurrence of biliary carcinoma, because the morbid lesion of biliary tract was preserved. It will be demanded to follow up carefully.