Cannulation of the cystic duct and gallbladder

A hydrophilic polymer-coated, steerable guide wire with graduated stiffness can be used to cannulate the gallbladder. A catheter can then be placed in the gallbladder. This technique was successful in 9 out of 12 patients and took less than 10 minutes from the time of introduction of the guide wire until the catheter was placed in the gallbladder. There was one episode of perforation which was managed conservatively and two failures of cannulation. This technique will open up a new era in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.