Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent placement in the management of large common bile duct stones.

Management of large common bile duct (CBD) calculi is controversial. Endoscopic treatment is fraught with difficulty, particularly when stones are over one centimetre in diameter and the patient's coagulation is deranged. Between 1988 and 1993, 56 patients have been managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent placement as the initial treatment for large CBD calculi. Complete follow up has been possible in 50 cases (89.3%). The median age was 73.5 years (range 29-92) and primary presenting symptoms were jaundice (n = 39), cholangitis (n = 6) or abdominal pain (n = 5). Median bilirubin was 99 mumol/L (range 7-926) and 60% of the patients had deranged clotting with a median thrombotest of 61%. Stones ranged in size from 0.9 to 4.5 cm (median 1.6 cm). Treatment was with a 7F 'pigtail' stent in 39 cases and a 10F straight stent in 11 patients. Morbidity occurred in 12% of cases with two deaths (4%). Stents remained in place for a median of 1 month (range 0.2-59). Definitive treatment of CBD stones, once the jaundice and sepsis had settled, involved surgery in 24 patients and repeat ERCP with sphincterotomy +/- mechanical lithotripsy in 17 cases. Nine patients remain alive and well with their stents still in place. Initial management of large CBD calculi by ERCP and stent placement carries a low morbidity and mortality and is a useful adjunct in the management of a difficult clinical problem.