SpyGlass Versus ESWL for Large Common Bile Duct Stones

ESWL was first used for the removal of renal calculi and ureteral calculi however, now a day is being used for biliary calculi. It has the advantages of simple operation, low cost, and higher safety. Recent studies show that the procedure time for ESWL is also shorter and the utilization rate of mechanical lithotripsy was effectively reduced with fewer complications. But It is difficult for ESWL to break the stones larger than 3cm into small pieces. So SpyGlass-guided laser lithotripsy is used. Spyglass has been used in clinics for more than ten years. Recently, a study reported difficult bile duct stones that were treated with SpyGlass-guided laser lithotripsy that shows promising results. Compared with laser lithotripsy under X-ray monitoring, there is no significant difference in stone removal rate and complication rate between the two methods. However, the effect of lithotripsy under Spyglass direct vision is better, which can break large stones into smaller pieces, thus making it easier to take stones. The investigators conducted the current study to compare the therapeutic outcome and complications between SpyGlass direct vision lithotripsy and ESWL procedures for the removal of large bile duct stones