Complications of nonoperative extraction of retained common duct stones.

A morbidity of 5 per cent and no mortality occurred in 612 reported patients undergoing nonoperative extraction of retained common duct stones. Three patients with complications required reoperation, but morbidity and mortality with this new procedure of percutaneous stone removal is significantcantly less than that with operative reexploration of the common duct. The use of small caliber T tubes results in a greater rate of failure and entails more complications. A T tube of no less than number 14 French caliber should be used routinely [2]. Penrose drains should be placed separately from the T tube, and the T tube should be brought out through a lateral stab wound.