Korean J Med.  2015 Nov;89(5):487-493. 10.3904/kjm.2015.89.5.487.

The Endoscopic Management of Common Bile Duct Stones

• Kim DU

• KMID: 2268948
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2015.89.5.487

Abstract

Gallbladder stone, or gallstone, is an endemic condition that affects up to 20% of the general population. Of patients with gallstones, 11-21% also have concomitant common bile duct (CBD) stones. Moreover, in East Asia-including Korea, Taiwan, and Japan-the prevalence of primary CBD stones without gallbladder stones is higher than that in Western countries. CBD stones may be associated with various symptoms and conditions. Therefore, CBD stones must be managed for the prevention of potentially life-threatening complications, such as ascending cholangitis, liver abscess, and acute pancreatitis. During the past 40 years, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has become a widely available and routine procedure for the management of CBD stones. Other interventions include intraoperative bile duct exploration and percutaneous transhepatic stone removal. As a consequence, clinicians are now faced with a number of potentially valid options for managing patients with suspected CBD stones.

Keyword

Choledocholithiasis; Endoscopic management

MeSH Terms

Bile Ducts
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
Cholangitis
Choledocholithiasis
Common Bile Duct*
Gallbladder
Gallstones
Humans
Korea
Liver Abscess
Pancreatitis
Prevalence
Taiwan