Common duct stone push-through.

Most common duct stones are located below the junction of the cystic duct and the common bile duct. We describe a technique of trans-cystic-duct manipulation of stones through the ampulla of Vater and into the duodenum which we have termed common duct stone push-through (CDSPT). A balloon catheter is inflated above the stone and pushed into the duodenum several times. Successful manipulation of the stone into the duodenum is confirmed by repeat cholangiography. Stones were successfully manipulated by CDSPT in seven patients over a brief period starting June 1988.