[Percutaneous transhepatic endoscopy and targetted tissue removal with an F-10.2 maneuverable thin cholangioscope]

Due to the flexibility and an external control mechanism of our thin calibrated cholangioscope (10.2 F) an inspection of the bile ducts via percutaneous transhepatic access is possible without too much discomfort for the patient. A 3.6 F working channel enables target-specific biopsies under optical control. It does not only enable histological diagnosis of the tumour itself but above all the exact definition of the proximal and distal tumour borders. This is a decisive criterion of operability and operation planning especially in tumours of the hepatic bifurcation. Expansion of the compressive lesion may be determined for palliative treatment. Percutaneous stone extraction by contact lithotripsy or with a Dormia basket is technically possible via the working channel under endoscopic view. An inspection of the peripheral branches of the same and the other liver lobe from one access only is made possible by easy maneuverability and flexibility of the endoscope.