Atlas for Cholangioscopy and Cholecystoscopy: A Primer for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy in the Biliary Tree and Gallbladder

Semin Intervent Radiol. 2024 Aug 19;41(3):278-292. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1788340. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Percutaneous endoscopy of the biliary system (cholangioscopy) and gallbladder (cholecystoscopy) has significantly impacted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to many diseases in interventional radiology, overcoming previous challenges related to scope size and rigidity. The current endoscopes offer enhanced maneuverability within narrow tubular structures such as bile ducts. Before endoscopy, reliance on 2D imaging modalities limited real-time visualization during percutaneous procedures. Percutaneous endoscopy provides 3D perspectives, enabling a better appreciation of normal structures, targeted biopsy of lesions, and accurate deployment of therapeutic interventions. This review aims to explore percutaneous endoscopic findings across various biliary and gallbladder pathologies.

Keywords: biliary system; cholangioscopy; cholecystoscopy; cross-sectional imaging; gallbladder; interventional radiology; percutaneous endoscopy.

Publication types

  • Review