Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Associated With Sphincterotomy for Extraction of Large Bile Duct Stones

Abstract

Common bile duct stones larger than 15mm are related to a higher rate of failure of endoscopic ductal clearance and need for mechanical lithotripsy. Recently, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) associated with endoscopic sphyncterotomy (ES) has been advocated for the management of difficult bile duct stones. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPLBD associated with ES for removal of large bile duct stones. Patients and methods: retrospective review of prospectively collected data in an academic tertiary referral center, from November 2009 to August 2011. Ampullary dilation was performed with a wire guided hydrostatic balloon (CRE/Boston Scientific) which size ranged from 12 to 20mm. The stone size and the duct diameter directed the choice of the balloon diameter. Balloon was inflated with diluted contrast medium under endoscopic and fluoroscopic control until waist disappearance and/or maximal balloon pressure. After dilation stones were extracted with the aid of standard accessories and techniques. Outcomes and adverse events were recorded. Results: A total of 730 patients with common bile duct stones were admitted for ERCP in our institution. 123 (16,8%) patients were submitted to EPLBD after sphincterotomy. The mean age was 56 years (22-98) and 77 were female (63%). The size of the stones ranged from 13 to 30mm. Initial procedure success rate without mechanical lithitripsy was 83% (102/123). In further 4 patients (3,2%) mechanical lithotripsy was used with 75% success rate (3/4). For the remaining 17 patients, mechanical litotripsy was not available and a 10Fr biliary stent was introduced to prevent obstruction and cholangitis. The total adverse events rate was 3,2%. There were 2 cases of perforation with 20mm balloon (1,6%), both treated conservatively, and two cases of mild acute pancreatitis (1,6%). None of the patients presented bleeding that required transfusion or hospitalization. Conclusion: EPLBD after sphincterotomy is a safe and effective technique for the management of large bile duct stones and it avoids mechanical lithotripsy in the majority of cases.