Percutaneous hepatolithotomy: the Northwestern University experience

J Endourol. 2002 Jun;16(5):293-7. doi: 10.1089/089277902760102776.

Abstract

Obstruction of intrahepatic ducts by calculi can lead to abdominal pain, cholestasis, abscesses, and cholangitis. Patients with stones recalcitrant to extraction using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have traditionally been referred to a general surgeon for open stone extraction or hepatic lobectomy despite its great potential morbidity. Borrowing techniques, instrumentation, and experience in performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy, we describe our experience with percutaneous hepatolithotomy (PHL), a minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternative to open surgery for recalcitrant biliary stones.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bile Duct Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Cholelithiasis / diagnosis
  • Cholelithiasis / therapy*
  • Hepatic Duct, Common / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Lithotripsy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ureteroscopes*