The ultrasonic navigation technique in percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation with rigid cholangioscopic lithotripsy for complicated hepatolithiasis

Abstract

Objective To study the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation (PTOBF) with rigid cholangioscopic lithotripsy for treatment of complicated hepatolithiasis under the ultrasonic navigation technique. Methods In this retrospective study, PTOBF lithotripsy surgery was performed in 94 patients with hepatolithiasis under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation, and with percutaneous transhepatic puncture of targeted bile duct under ultrasonic navigation in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Biliary expanders were used along a guidewire to expand the sinus gradually until 14Fr to establish a fistulous channel. Lithotripsy was then performed through the channel by rigid cholangioscopy. The operation-related data were collected and analyzed, including puncture and fistula establishment success ratio, complication rate, intraoperative blood loss, residual and recurrence hepatolithiasis rates. Results 94 patients (total 122 patient-times) underwent PTOBF lithotripsy. There was no perioperative mortality. The overall puncture success rate was 100%, and the fistula/puncture rate was 97.5% (119/122). In 118 patients success was achieved in 2 time (96.7%). The complication rate was 9.6% (9/94). The average intraoperation blood loss were (24.9±21.3)ml. The residual calculus rate after therapy was 13.8%(13/94). All patients were followed-up for a period that ranged between 18 and 30 months. The recurrence rate was 14.9%(14/94). Conclusions Ultrasonic navigation technique plays an important role in bile duct puncture, sinus expansion and rigid cholangioscopic lithotripsy for treatment of complicated hepatolithiasis. PTOBF lithotripsy is a safe and effective procedure, which provides a new way in mini-invasive treatment for hepatolithiasis. It is worth generalizing. Key words: Ultrasound; Navigation; Percutaneous transhepatic puncture; Hepatolithiasis; Rigid cholangioscope