Percutaneous and transpapillary laser lithotripsy of intrahepatic gallstones

Problem and objective: In the last few years several intra- and extracorporeal endoscopic methods have been developed for treating intrahepatic gallstones, but as yet no ideal instrumentation has been found. This study was undertaken to test the efficacy and possible complications of intracorporeal laser lithotripsy for intrahepatic gallstones. Patients and methods: 16 consecutive patients were included (13 women and 3 men, median age 64 [28-82] years) with intrahepatic biliary tract stones which could not be removed by conventional endoscopy. A rhodamine-6G-laser with an integrated stone recognition system was used. The glass fibres of the laser instrument were introduced perorally or percutaneously and placed at the stone. Results: The percutaneous procedure under cholangioscopic control succeeded in four of the patients, while 12 were treated by a transpapillary approach (two under fluoroscopic, ten under cholangioscopic control). In eight of the latter group all stones were completely fragmented, i.e. 12 of the total were successfully treated. Of the remaining four patients two were cleared of stone by additional measures (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy, respectively), two were treated palliatively by endoprosthesis. One patient developed an acute cholangitis which was successfully treated with antibiotics and biliary drainage. There were no deaths. Conclusions: Particularly when performed transcutaneously, laser lithotripsy provides effective treatment of intrahepatic gall stones. Cholangioscopic monitoring, to place the glass fibre at the stone, is usually required in the transpapillary approach.