A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy

Intrahepatic and extrahepatic choledocholithiasis is a challenge in the field of biliary surgery. We present our experience using a two-step percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopic lithotomy (PTCSL) procedure to treat challenging biliary stones. We retrospectively reviewed 81 patients with intrahepatic and extrahepatic choledocholithiasis treated using this two-step PTCSL from January 2013 to January 2020, including 40 males and 41 females, with an average age of 66 years. In contrast to traditional percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS), a channel was established directly through a 16F Amplatz sheath, and the stone in the channel was removed with the aid of a nephroscope. The clinical efficacy and complications of all patients were analyzed. Eighty-one patients (81/81, 100%) had their biliary stones successfully removed; 62/81 patients (76.5%) had biliary stones completely removed after the first operation; 17/81 patients (21%) underwent a second operation; 2/81 patients (2.5%) needed a third operation to completely remove the stones. The incidence of severe bleeding during the operation was 0%, and there were no deaths. The use of the two-step PTCSL method is safe and efficacious, and contributes to a better prognosis of intrahepatic and extrahepatic choledocholithiasis.