Factors Associated with Spontaneous Migration of Stones for Common Bile Duct: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones can spontaneously migrate through the duodenal papilla. In this case, ERCP may be unnecessary and a significant rate of complications may be avoided. Aim: The aim of our study is to evaluate the factors associated with spontaneous migration of CBD stones. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical study including 575 patients who underwent ERCP for CBD stones between January 2019 and September 2023.All patients underwent MRCP for the diagnosis of CBD stones. MRCP was considered positive if stones were present in CBD.A positive ERCP was defined as the presence of stones in the CBD on cholangiography. Patients were classified into 2 groups: Group A (n=381): positive MRCP and positive ERCP. Group B (n=194): positive MRCP but negative ERCP. Statistical analysis was performed using JAMOVI software. Results: The mean age in group A was 59.1 +/- 13.8 years and in group B 56.9 +/- 13.2 years, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.056). The sex ratio (M/F) in group A was 0.7 and in group B 0.54, with a significant female predominance in both groups (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in CBD diameter or presence of a periampullary diverticulum. Comparing group, A versus group B, patients with small stone diameter (P=0.001), a single stone (p=0,001) and distal stones (P=0.04) tended to pass their stones spontaneously. Conclusion: In our study, the factors associated with spontaneous migration of CBD stones were a small stone diameter, a single stone and distal stones.