Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Patients with a Previous History of Biliary Tract Surgery
Published on: February 10, 2023
Direct retrograde cholangioscopy with a new prototype double-bending cholangioscope
Torsten Beyna1, Harald Farnik2, Christoph Sarrazin2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Background And Study Aims:
Direct retrograde cholangioscopy (DRC) enables high quality video imaging of the bile ducts and allows intraductal treatment with optical control. We evaluated the feasibility, success, and complications of a new third-generation prototype cholangioscope.
Patients And Methods:
All consecutive patients from two tertiary endoscopy centers who had undergone DRC with the prototype were included. Indications for DRC were: evaluation of indeterminate strictures, filling defects, and complex bile duct stones. Technical success was investigated in terms of indication and treatment performed. All adverse events were recorded.
Results:
DRC with the prototype was performed in 74 patients. Therapeutic interventions included laser or electrohydraulic lithotripsy and stone removal, among others. The papilla was entered in 72/74 patients (97 %). The targeted bile duct segment was reached in 62 /74 patients (84 %), with an anchoring balloon catheter needed in 21/74 (28 %). Mean investigation time was 21 minutes (15 - 27 minutes)
Conclusions:
DRC using the prototype is feasible, safe, and attains access to the bile ducts in almost all patients, with less need of an anchoring balloon catheter compared with the standard technique and short investigation and fluoroscopy times.
