Peroral cholangioscopy for detecting residual stones missed by cholangiography: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Residual bile duct stones may persist despite negative cholangiographic findings after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, increasing risk of recurrence and complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the detection rate of residual stones identified by peroral cholangioscopy (POC), alongside stone characteristics and baseline patient features.

A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and LILACS through August 2024. Eligible studies included patients undergoing POC after negative occlusion cholangiography. The primary outcome was the pooled residual stone detection rate. Secondary outcomes included residual stone characteristics, adverse events (AEs), and baseline clinical parameters. Subgroup analysis was performed according to cholangioscopy technique used.

Nine studies comprising 485 procedures were included. The pooled residual stone detection rate was 27% (95% confidence interval 23%-31%), with higher detection using digital single-operator cholangioscopy (32%) compared with direct peroral cholangioscopy (25%) and Mother-Baby systems (24%). Residual stones had a mean size of 4.51 mm, with an average of 1.55 stones per positive procedure. Mild AEs occurred in 3% of cases, with no serious complications reported. Baseline characteristics showed an average initial stone size of 12.89 mm, a mean common bile duct diameter of 15.28 mm, and lithotripsy use in 57% of cases.

POC identified residual stones in over one-fourth of patients following negative cholangiography. Detection rates were highest with digital systems. The procedure demonstrated a strong safety profile and may play an important role in confirming complete ductal clearance.