Efficacy and safety of SpyGlass guided laser lithotripsy for large bile duct stones

Objective To explore the value of SpyGlass (direct visualization system) guided laser lithotripsy for large bile duct stones in ERCP. Methods Thirty-three patients with large bile duct stones were randomly assigned to two groups: SpyGlass guided laser lithotripsy group (n=16) and mechanical lithotripsy group (n=17). All patients underwent ERCP procedures for stones extraction. The success rate of complete stone removal, the early complication rate related to the procedure and procedure time were compared between the two groups. Results The success rate of complete stone removal in SpyGlass guided laser lithotripsy group was higher than that of the mechanical lithotripsy group. There were no significant differences between two groups in either procedure time or the early complication rate related to the procedure (18.8% VS 5.9%, P>0.05). Conclusion SpyGlass guided laser lithotripsy is safe and effective for large bile duct stones. Key words: Common bile duct stones; Laser lithotripsy; SpyGlass system; Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography