Predictors of a need for cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy in the management of difficult common bile duct stones.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While standard endoscopic methods effectively clear most common bile duct stones, complex cases require specialized management. This study compared the effectiveness of cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) against conventional techniques for treating difficult common bile duct stones (DBS).

Methods

This retrospective study included 436 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between April 2020 and April 2024. Demographic, laboratory and procedural data were recorded. Categorical regression identified predictors for EHL, and classification tree analysis was used to develop a prioritization algorithm.

Results

Among patients with DBS (305/436, 70%), conventional methods succeeded in 28.9% (88/305). Endoscopic p

SUBMITTER: Kogias D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12850689 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature