Endoscopic aspects of choledochoceles

To date, since so little information has been published on the incidence of choledochoceles, we undertook a retrospective study of the incidence of choledochoceles.

Out of 9,850 patients who had been submitted to ERCP investigation in our department, the medical histories of the patients found to have choledochoceles were analysed.

Ten out of the 9,850 had a choledochocele, 3 of which were symptomatic, 3 questionably symptomatic and 4 asymptomatic. In 6 patients with symptomatic or questionably symptomatic choledochoceles, endoscopic treatment in the form of endoscopic papillotomy was carried out. Following this intervention, 4 of the patients became symptom-free.

Smaller choledochoceles tend to be asymptomatic while the larger are symptomatic. The diagnostic method of choice in ERCP.