Holmium laser lithotripsy under direct peroral cholangioscopy by using an ultra-slim upper endoscope for patients with retained bile duct stones (with video)

Background: Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) by using an ultra-slim endoscope provides direct visualization of the bile duct and allows for therapeutic intervention. Holmium laser lithotripsy can be effective for retained bile duct stones, but it requires direct visualization during the procedure for safe and effective fragmentation. Direct POC by using an ultra-slim endoscope may facilitate holmium laser lithotripsy.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, success rates, and complications of holmium laser lithotripsy under direct POC by using an ultra-slim endoscope for retained bile duct stones.

Design: Observational clinical feasibility study.

Setting: Tertiary-care referral center.

Patients: This study involved 13 patients with retained bile duct stones whose treatment failed by a conventional lithotripsy method involving mechanical lithotripsy.

Intervention: Holmium laser lithotripsy under direct POC by using an ultra-slim endoscope.

Main outcome measurements: Success rate of complete stone removal and procedure-related complications.

Results: Holmium laser lithotripsy under direct POC by using an ultra-slim endoscope was successful in 11 of 13 patients (84.6%). Although direct POC was successful, holmium laser lithotripsy failed in 2 patients because of inaccurate targeting of the laser fiber to stones. There were no procedure-related complications except one case of mild pancreatitis.

Limitations: A small number of patients and no comparison with other lithotripsy systems.

Conclusion: Holmium laser lithotripsy under direct POC by using an ultra-slim endoscope was feasible and can be a safe endoscopic management method for retained bile duct stones.