[Removal of retained bile duct stones through the T-tube drain]

Within seven years 23 patients were treated postoperatively by percutaneous bile stone extraction. This procedure was successful in 18 patients. Although an interval of 5-7 weeks between choledochotomy and percutaneous extraction is recommended, the procedure was done 11 to 31 days after surgery with no negative effects. In six cases the stones had to be dislodged into a more favorable position with a Fogarty-type balloon catheter. The papilla of Vater was dilated in two cases. With the development of newer techniques trans-T-tube extraction remains the treatment of choice in retained intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones.