Reliability of endoscopic ultrasound in predicting the number and size of common bile duct stones before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is accurate for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis; however, data are lacking regarding the prediction of stone number and size.

Aims: To evaluate the concordance between EUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in stone number and size assessment.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing ERCP due to detection of choledocholithiasis by EUS.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for difficult common bile duct stones: a comparison between 2 different lithotripters in a large cohort of patients.

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones is a safe and effective treatment strategy allowing for bile duct clearance in approximately 90% of patients with a low incidence of mild adverse events.

Objective: To compare the CBD clearance rates achieved after ESWL performed with 2 different lithotripters (Siemens Lithostar Plus and Storz Modulith SLX-F2) in a large cohort of patients with difficult CBD stones.

Design: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database.