Endoscopic treatment of Mirizzi's syndrome

Electrohydraulic lithotripsy has been shown to be an effective non-surgical treatment for common bile duct and intrahepatic duct stones. This technique was applied via the endoscopic retrograde route in 14 patients (mean age, 70) with the Mirizzi syndrome, all of whom were at high risk for surgery. The procedure was performed under strict cholangioscopic guidance. Twelve patients had a single stone and two had multiple stones impacted in the cystic duct. Stone diameter was 1.5 cm in one patient, 2 to 3 cm in nine patients, and greater than 3 cm in four patients. Insertion of the babyscope and stone fragmentation were successful in all patients. Complete stone clearance required one session in 12 patients and two sessions in two patients (both with multiple stones). In one patient post-procedural leakage of contrast medium from the cystic duct into the peritoneal cavity was noted. This was attributed to pressure necrosis induced by the impacted stone. The patient had an uneventful course of recovery, and leakage resolved with conservative management. Mortality was zero. Endoscopic treatment of the Mirizzi syndrome with electrohydraulic lithotripsy seems to be an effective and relatively safe alternative to surgery.