THE ROLE OF PERORAL CHOLANGIOSCOPY IN THE DIAGNOSTIC WORKUPOF BILIARY TRACT DISEASES

Abstract

Introduction: Large common bile duct stones (> 1.5 cm) and indeterminate biliary strictures of the extrahepatic biliary tract (EBT) are the most difficult to treat and diagnose, respectively. Aim: To summarize our experience regarding cholangioscopy-assisted diagnostics and treatment of certain EBT diseases. Material and methods: Patients admitted to our clinic between August and December 2024 were analyzed. All of them underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and subsequent cholangioscopy-assisted laser lithotripsy if choledocholithiasis was present or biopsy if stenosis was encountered. Results: For a period of 5 months 6 cholangioscopies in 6 patients were performed. Of them, 3 (67%) were female, with mean age 59,2 ± 26,9 years. Large biliary stones were found in 3 (67%) patients, treated by laser destruction. We used Thulium laser in 2 (67%) of them and Holmium – in 1 (33%). Complete clearance was achieved in 2 (67%). Strictur es were observed in 3 patients.