[Percutaneous cholangioscopy. An alternative in the treatment of retained stones]

We report our experience in the use of percutaneous cholangioscopy for extraction of retained stones in the biliary tract, at the Oncology Hospital, Centro Médico Nacional, IMSS, between July 1984 and January 1990. Ninety seven patients were evaluated; the endoscopic manipulation was successful in 82 patients (84.5%). The main causes of failure were: narrow fistula, impacted stone, very small stones and false way. There were minor complications on 13 patients, but in two cases intestinal perforation indicated laparotomy. No death was reported. The main disadvantage of cholangioscopy was the waiting period, necessary to obtain a strong fistula. Nevertheless, the endoscopist can also relay on other techniques, such as sphincterectomy; the choice depends of each particular case.