[Transfistular approach for the treatment of retained biliary stones]

Residual stones are those persisting in the biliary duct after a surgical intervention. They are found in approximately 2% of cases after a simple cholecistectomy and in 4% to 15% after an exploration of the common duct.

Between January 2009 and June 2008, 81 patients were treated because of residual stones. Age, sex, number of stones, days in the hospital, laboratory, complications and diagnosis were analyzed.

Forty-eight patients were male and 33 female. The mean age was 42.5 years. Mean stay at hospital was 1.3 days. The mean number of procedures was 1.19. Fifty-two patients came from another institution and 28 belonged to our institution. The total of complications was 6.5%.

The percutaneous treatment for the residual stones is the goal standard in patients with "T" tube drainage and elevated risk for surgery. The advantage of this procedure is that it is economic, effective and with low risks for the patient. For the treatment of this disease, the collaboration of surgeons, endoscopists, and interventional radiologists is needed.