Difficult Bile Duct Stones Research Articles

Su1641 Efficacy and Safety of EPLBD for Bile Duct Stones in Patients With Surgically Altered Anatomy: a Large Case Series At Single High Volume Center

In patients with surgically altered anatomy (e.g. Billroth II gastrectomy [B-II], gastrectomy plus Roux-en-Y reconstruction [R-Y]), extraction of bile duct stones can be challenging. Recently, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPLBD) has been shown to be useful for the removal of difficult bile duct stones in patients with normal anatomy.Purpose: To investigate the safety and efficacy of EPLBD for the treatment of bile duct stones in patients with altered anatomy.

Current status of peroral cholangioscopy in biliary tract diseases.

Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) is an important tool for the management of a selected group of biliary diseases. Because of its direct visualization, POC allows targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. POC can be performed using a dedicated cholangioscope that is advanced through the accessory channel of a duodenoscope or via the insertion of a small-diameter endoscope directly into the bile duct. POC was first described in the 1970s, but the use of earlier generation devices was substantially limited by the cumbersome equipment setup and high repair costs. For nearly ten years, several technical improvements, including the single-operator system, high-quality images, the development of dedicated accessories and the increased size of the working channel, have led to increased diagnostic accuracy, thus assisting in the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions, targeting biopsies and the precise delineation of intraductal tumor spread before surgery. Furthermore, lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative therapies for biliary malignancies and direct biliary drainage can be performed under POC control. Recent developments of new types of conventional POCs allow feasible, safe and effective procedures at reasonable costs. In the current review, we provide an updated overview of POC, focusing our attention on the main current clinical applications and on areas for future research.

A Comparison Study of Ballooning Time between Immediate and Conventional Deflation Method of Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation for the Extraction of Difficult Bile Duct Stone

Background/Aims: The ballooning time in endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of the ballooning time comparing an immediate balloon deflation method with a conventional ballooning time of > 45 seconds. Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2010, 126 patients with bile duct stones treated with EPLBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy were divided according to the ballooning time: the immediate deflation group (n=56) and the conventional inflation group (ballooning time 45s to < 60s) (n=70). Results: The overall success rate and the success rate of the first attempt of ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography) were 96.4% (54/56) and 80.4% (45/56) in the immediate group and 97.1% (68/70) and 77.1% (54/70) in the conventional inflation group. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall success and the first attempt of ERCP success rate (p=0.99, p=0.66). The frequency of mechanical lithotripsy was 0% in the immediate deflation group and 7.1% in the conventional inflation group (p=0.065). Complications occurred in 3.6% (2/56) patients in the immediate deflation group and 8.6% (4/70) patients in the conventional inflation group (p=0.298). Conclusions: The ballooning time in EPLBD does not affect the outcomes of the treatment for bile duct stones. And the feasibility of the immediate deflation method in EPLBD is acceptable.

Tu1954 Risk Factors of Recurrence of Common Bile Duct Stones After Removing With Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilatation

Background/Aims: Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) can be used as a treatment of removing the difficult common bile duct (CBD) stone. However, we still experience cases of recurrence after an EPLBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of recurrence of CBD stone after an EPLBD. Methods: From March 2004 to October 2010, a total of 262 patients with CBD stones were treated by EPLBD at Gangnam Severance and Daegu Catholic University Hospital. Clinical and endoscopic parameters were analyzed to determine the risk factors of CBD stone recurrence. Results: Of the 262 patients (men 100, women 162, mean age 72.0±11.8 years), the recurrence rate was 19.8% ( 52/ 262). Mean duration between treatment and recurrence was 13.5 months (1.4~64.8 months). In univariate analysis, multiple stones (≥3), large stone (≥14mm), diameter of the CBD (≥ 20mm), and angulated CBD (angle≤145°) were identified as the significant predictors of recurrence. In multivariate analysis, multiple stones (≥3, P=0.015, OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.174.36), diameter of CBD (≥ 20mm, P < 0.001, OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.23-9.80) and angulated CBD (angle≤145°, P < 0.001, OR 4.98, 95% CI 2.36-10.54) were identified as the significant predictors of recurrence. Gender, age, periampullary diverticulum and previous cholecystectomy did not influence the recurrence rate. Conclusions: The recurrence of CBD stone after EPLBD was strongly associated with multiple stones (≥3), diameter of the CBD (≥ 20mm), and angulated CBD (angle≤145°). Close and meticulous follow-up may be required in patients with these parameters.

Tu1957 The Association Study Between Histopathologic Features of the Gallbladder Wall and Cholescintigraphy in Patients With Atypical Biliary Pain

Background/Aims: Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) can be used as a treatment of removing the difficult common bile duct (CBD) stone. However, we still experience cases of recurrence after an EPLBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of recurrence of CBD stone after an EPLBD. Methods: From March 2004 to October 2010, a total of 262 patients with CBD stones were treated by EPLBD at Gangnam Severance and Daegu Catholic University Hospital. Clinical and endoscopic parameters were analyzed to determine the risk factors of CBD stone recurrence. Results: Of the 262 patients (men 100, women 162, mean age 72.0±11.8 years), the recurrence rate was 19.8% ( 52/ 262). Mean duration between treatment and recurrence was 13.5 months (1.4~64.8 months). In univariate analysis, multiple stones (≥3), large stone (≥14mm), diameter of the CBD (≥ 20mm), and angulated CBD (angle≤145°) were identified as the significant predictors of recurrence. In multivariate analysis, multiple stones (≥3, P=0.015, OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.174.36), diameter of CBD (≥ 20mm, P < 0.001, OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.23-9.80) and angulated CBD (angle≤145°, P < 0.001, OR 4.98, 95% CI 2.36-10.54) were identified as the significant predictors of recurrence. Gender, age, periampullary diverticulum and previous cholecystectomy did not influence the recurrence rate. Conclusions: The recurrence of CBD stone after EPLBD was strongly associated with multiple stones (≥3), diameter of the CBD (≥ 20mm), and angulated CBD (angle≤145°). Close and meticulous follow-up may be required in patients with these parameters.

Su1640 Additional Sphincterotomy Versus Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation for the Management of Recurrent Difficult Bile Duct Stone After Previous Endoscopic Sphincterotomy

Su1640 Additional Sphincterotomy Versus Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation for the Management of Recurrent Difficult Bile Duct Stone After Previous Endoscopic Sphincterotomy

Dilation-Assisted Stone Extraction: Does One Balloon Fit All?

The story of dilation-assisted stone extraction is characterized by tragedy and triumph. Although initially proposed as a means to preserve the native state of the bile duct, controlled studies indicated that dilation without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was associated with a high risk of pancreatitis [1, 2]. However, dilation after EST is a safe and effective means of treating large bile duct stones. In this month’s Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Li et al. [3] extend the use of this method to manage bile duct stones of all sizes. Although generalizability may be limited by the specific study population and techniques, the approach suggests exciting possibilities of more widespread potential application. Balloon dilation that facilitates bile duct stone removal was first espoused as a means of avoiding long-term exposure of the biliary tree to enteric contents. Nevertheless, a multicenter randomized controlled trial of balloon dilation versus EST revealed a concerning incidence of pancreatitis among those who underwent balloon dilation compared with those who underwent EST [2]. In addition, nearly half of these cases were severe and two study patients died. Further confirmatory work led investigators to conclude that balloon dilation was not appropriate for clinical practice [1]. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy combined with balloon and basket maneuvers enables removal of 85 % of bile duct stones [4]. Nevertheless, perivaterian diverticuli and other anatomic abnormalities of the papilla complicate removal [5]. Large or impacted concretions may also be difficult to retrieve. Although, for these refractory stones, intraductal and extracorporeal shock wave and intraductal laser lithotripsy have been used, these approaches require extensive technical expertise, are not widely available, and are time consuming [6–8]. A critical variation of papillary balloon dilation has been proposed for removal of difficult bile duct stones [9]. By dilating the papilla after endoscopic sphincterotomy, complete clearance of difficult bile duct stones was achieved for 93 % of patients without elevated incidence of pancreatitis [9]. Subsequent work has confirmed that balloon dilation after EST is of comparable efficacy and as safe as conventional approaches for removal of large bile duct stones, and may be less likely to result in complications [10–13]. It is postulated that the biliary sphincter separates the biliary orifice from the pancreatic orifice, directing the force of dilation predominantly toward the bile duct and away from the pancreas [13]. Large retrospective studies also suggest that EST combined with large balloon dilation requires less mechanical lithotripsy, and that the duration of the procedure is shorter [11, 12]. In their study, Li et al. randomized 462 patients with bile duct stones to small EST combined with balloon dilation (sEST ? EPBD) compared with EST. The study differed from previous controlled trials in that the number of subjects was much larger and that subjects bearing stones of all sizes were included. Consistent with previous work, complete stone removal and incidence of complications were equivalent in the sEST ? EPBD and EST groups. This prospective study also convincingly demonstrated that procedure and fluoroscopy duration are briefer for sEST ? EPBD, with reduced requirement for mechanical lithotripsy than EST. The authors contributed equally to all aspects of this project.

Efficacy of spyglass-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy in difficult bile duct stones.

Background/Aims:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spyglass-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) for difficult common bile duct stones (CBD) not amenable to conventional endoscopic therapy.Design:A retrospective study evaluating the efficacy of Spyglass-guided EHL in treating difficult CBD stones, in a single tertiary care center.Patients and Methods:All patients who underwent Spyglass-guided EHL from 2012 to 2013 were compared with a historical cohort who had ECSWL.Results:A total number of 13 patients underwent Spyglass-guided EHL, 8 (61.5%) of them were males. The mean age was 46.5 ± 5.6 years. Bile duct clearance was achieved in 13 (100%) of them. Seventy-six percent required only one Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to clear the CBD, 7.7% required two ERCPs, and 15.4% required three ERCPs. Adverse effects (cholangitis) occurred in one patient (10%), whereas only 30 patients (64.4%) of the ESWL group had complete CBD stone clearance. Thirty-seven percent required one ERCP to clear the CBD, 35.6% required two ERCPs, and 20% required three ERCPs. Adverse effects happened in seven (15.5%) patients, where five (11%) had cholangitis and two (4.4%) had pancreatitis.Conclusion:Although a retrospective design with a small sample size, we concluded that Spyglass-guided EHL is an effective procedure in treating difficult CBD stones.

Short-term biliary stenting before mechanical lithotripsy for difficult bile duct stones

Short-term common bile duct stenting has been shown to decrease stone size, but its effect on mechanical lithotripsy has not been reported. Sixty patients of difficult bile duct stones were subjected to mechanical lithotripsy. Thirty patients were subjected to mechanical lithotripsy at the time of first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (group A) while another 30 patients were subjected to mechanical lithotripsy using trapezoid basket after a short period of stenting (group B). The effect on the hardness of stone, durability of the basket after stenting, and duration of mechanical lithotripsy was studied. Lithotripsy after stenting was less time consuming, and durability of the basket was much more in comparison to lithotripsy without stenting (p < 0.001). Friability of stone increased after stenting, and it was easy to break the stone after preliminary stenting. Short-term (2 to 3 months) stenting should be done in all the patients with large stones before subjecting them to mechanical lithotripsy to make the procedure less time consuming and more convenient to endoscopist.

PTH-066 Cholangioscopy-Assisted Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy is Highly Effective in the Management of Difficult Bile Duct Stones

IntroductionAlthough conventional endoscopic techniques for the removal of stones from the biliary tree are highly effective, they fail in up to 10% of patients with choledocholithiasis. With the introduction of...

Recent advances in endoscopic management of difficult bile duct stones

Endoscopic treatment is now recognized worldwide as the first-line treatment for bile duct stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with basket and/or balloon catheter is generally carried out for stone extraction. However, some stones are refractory to treatment under certain circumstances, necessitating additional/other therapeutic modalities. Large bile duct stones are typically treated by mechanical lithotripsy. However, if this fails, laser or electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) is carried out under the guidance of conventional mother-baby cholangioscopy. More recently, direct cholangioscopy using an ultrathin gastroscope and the newly developed single-use cholangioscope system - the SpyGlass direct visualization system - are also used. In addition, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has also been used for stone fragmentation. Such fragmentation techniques are effective in cases with impacted stones, including Mirizzi syndrome. Most recently, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilationhas been introduced as an easy and effective technique for treating large and multiple stones. In cases of altered anatomy, it is often difficult to reach the papilla; in such cases, a percutaneous transhepatic approach, such as EHL or laser lithotripsy under percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy, can be a treatment option. Moreover, enteroscopy has recently been used to reach the papilla. Furthermore, an endoscopic ultrasound-guided procedure has been attempted most recently. In elderly patients and those with very poor general condition, biliary stenting only is sometimes carried out with or without giving subsequent dissolution agents.

Su1407 Safety and Effectiveness of Endoscopic Sphincterotmy Plus Large Balloon Dilation: Single Center Mid-Term Outcome

Safety and Effectiveness of Endoscopic Sphincterotmy Plus Large Balloon Dilation: Single Center Mid-Term Outcome Fumihide Itokawa*, Takao Itoi, Atsushi Sofuni, Takayoshi Tsuchiya, Nobuhito Ikeuchi, Reina Tanaka Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan Background: Endoscopic sphincterotmy plus large balloon dilation (ESLBD) would theoretically favorable for extracting large bile duct stones. Although there are many studies on the feasibility and short-term outcome, there is no midto long-term outcome after ESLBD. The aim of our study is to evaluate the mid-term outcome of ESLBD. Methods: 168 patients with large bile duct stones who underwent ESLBD from November 2006 through December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were observed till November 2012. In the present study, inclusion criteria were used to select patients with large and/or multiple bile-duct stones: 1) bile duct stone, 13 mm or more in shortest dimensionor 2) multiple ( 3) bile-duct stones, with the smallest more than 10 mm in shortest dimension. Exclusion criteria included coagulopathy, marked thrombocytopenia, anticoagulation therapy, acute pancreatitis, septic shock. After endoscopic sphincterotomy or prior sphincterotomy, the papillary balloon catheter (maximum diameter 15 mm, 18 mm, or 20 mm) was passed over the guidewire and positioned across the main duodenal papilla. The size of balloon was matched to the diameters of the bile duct and the stones. Results: The patients mean age were 76.8 9.8years. The history of gastric operation was 140 with none (normal), 2 with Billroth 1, 11 with Billroth 2 and 15 with Rouxen Y. 70 patients (41.7%) had periampullary diverticulum. The presence of Gallstone was 65 (38.7%), the history of cholecystectomy was 42(25%), the previous sphincterotomy was 33 (19.6%). The mean follow up period were 39.85 13.7 months (range 11-69). 7 patients (4.2%) occurred stone recurrence (Mean age 72.8 7.8, surgically altered anatomy: none 6, Billroth 2 1, Gallstone 3, Periampullary diverticulum 1, History of sphincterotomy 6 (85.7%), History of stone recurrence 6 (85.7%)). There were no recurrence who had first ESLBD treatment. Conclusions: ESLBD can be safely and effectively performed. Furthermore, our mid-term outcome revealed that ESLBD is low risk of recurrence of bile duct stones. Thus, although further lon-term outcome seems to be mandatory, it will be promising treatment in patients with difficult bile duct stones.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for the management of recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous endoscopic sphincterotomy

Endoscopic management of recurrent bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is effective and safe. However, repeat EST for extension of a previous EST for recurrent bile duct stones may involve substantial risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) without repeat EST for recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous EST. From January 2006 to October 2010, a total of 52 patients were enrolled; all had undergone EPLBD (balloon diameter: 12-20 mm) to remove recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous EST. In all patients, stone removal had failed with conventional methods using a basket and/or balloon. The size of the balloon for EPLBD was selected to fit the diameter of the common bile duct or the largest stone. The median interval between initial EST and stone recurrence was 2.2 years (range 1-10). Median diameters of thelargest stone and balloon were 20.1 mm (range 12-40) and 14.7 mm (range 12-20), respectively. Complete stone removal was achieved in all patients (100%). The median number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sessions needed for complete stone removal was 1.6 (range 1-3). Additional lithotripsy was required in 16 patients (30.7%). No procedure-related complications were documented, with the exception of four cases of asymptomatic hyperamylasemia. The recurrence rate of CBD stones after bile duct clearance was 17.3% (9/52) during the follow-up period (mean 27.0 ± 14.1 months). EPLBD without repeat EST is effective and relatively safe for the extraction of recurrent difficult bile duct stones after previous EST.

Cholangioskopie

Cholangioscopy is an important component of the management of a selected group of patients with biliary diseases. Due to the advantage of direct visualization cholangioscopy provides targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under endoscopic control. Thus cholangioscopy improves the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions, targeted biopsies and precise delineation of intraductal tumor spread before surgical resection. Furthermore lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative therapies for biliary malignancies and direct biliary drainage can be carried out under endoscopic control. Recent developments of new types of conventional peroral cholangioscopy permit feasible, safe and effective procedures that can broaden the use of this technique at reasonable costs. Hence the spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions under cholangioscopic control will be further expanded in the future.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for the removal of bile duct stones

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been widely used as the alternative to EST along with endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy (EML) for the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones. Furthermore, EPLBD without EST was recently introduced as its simplified alternative technique. Thus, we systematically searched PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE, and analyzed all gathered data of EPLBD with and without EST, respectively, by using a single standardized definition, reviewing relevant literatures, published between 2003 and June 2013, where it was performed with large-diameter balloons (12-20 mm). The outcomes, including the initial success rate, the rate of needs for EML, and the overall success rate, and adverse events were assessed in each and compared between both of two procedures: "EPLBD with EST" and "EPLBD without EST". A total of 2511 procedures from 30 published articles were included in EPLBD with EST, while a total of 413 procedures from 3 published articles were included in EPLBD without EST. In the results of outcomes, the overall success rate was 96.5% in EPLBD with EST and 97.2% in EPLBD without EST, showing no significant difference between both of them. The initial success rate (84.0% vs 76.2%, P < 0.001) and the success rate of EPLBD without EML (83.2% vs 76.7%, P = 0.001) was significantly higher, while the rate of use of EML was significantly lower (14.1% vs 21.6%, P < 0.001), in EPLBD with EST. The rate of overall adverse events, pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, other adverse events, surgery for adverse events, and fatal adverse events were 8.3%, 2.4%, 3.6%, 0.6%, 1.7%, 0.2% and 0.2% in EPLBD with EST and 7.0%, 3.9%, 1.9%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 0% and 0% in EPLBD without EST, respectively, showing no significant difference between both of them. In conclusion, recent accumulated results of EPLBD with or even without EST suggest that it is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones without any additional risk of severe adverse events, when performed under appropriate guidelines.

Immediate balloon deflation method in endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for extraction of difficult bile duct stones

Background/Aims: Recently, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) using a large balloon (12 - 20 mm) for extraction of difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones has been widely accepted with favorable outcomes. However, there is no consensus with regard to the ballooning time. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immediate balloon deflation in EPLBD for the treatment of difficult bile duct stone. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 80 consecutive patients with bile duct stones who were treated with an immediate balloon deflation method in EPLBD combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) between January 2010 and December 2012. Overall success rate, success rate at first ERCP, and the frequency of mechanical lithotripsy for complete stone removal were assessed for efficacy and safety was evaluated by assessing major complications. Results: Overall success rate for complete stone removal was high (78/80, 97.5%) and success rate for complete stone removal at first ERCP was 86.3% (69/80). The use of mechanical lithotripsy was 0% (0/80). The overall complication rate was favorable (5/80, 6.3%). PostERCP pancreatitis was observed in 3 patients (two: mild, one: moderate). In subgroup analysis, the presence of periampullary diverticulum was the only factor affecting the success rate at first ERCP. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the favorable outcome of immediate balloon deflation for treatment of difficult CBD stones and can be considered for clinical application.

Safety and efficacy of large balloon sphincteroplasty in a third care hospital

large balloon sphincteroplasty (LBS) associated with sphincterotomy (ES) has gained acceptance as a useful tool in extracting difficult bile duct stones. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LBS with balloons > or = 10 mm in clinical practice setting. unicentre prospective study in a tertiary care hospital. All patients who underwent LBS associated with ES between July 2007 and March 2011 were included prospectively in a database recording clinical aspects, procedure data, outcome and complications.Success is the main outcome defined as complete stone removal documented by absence of any filling defect during a final occlusion cholangiogram and absence of clinical or radiological findings after the ERCP consistent with remaining stones. Complications as pancreatitis, cholangitis, post-ERCP bleeding, perforation and others were also measured. one hundred twenty procedures were made in 109 patients with balloons ranging from 10 to 20 mm. Success rate was 91% in the first attempt and 96.7% after two procedures. Mechanical lithotripsy was only needed in one case (0.8%). Complication rate was 4.2% due to five cases of post-ERCP bleeding in high risk patients. large balloon sphincteroplasty associated to sphincterotomy in clinical practice is a very effective and safe technique.

Mo1341 The Significance of Ballooning Time in Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation for the Treatment of Difficult Choledocholithiasis

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD) using CRE balloon (12-20mm) has been used as an alternative method of endoscopic sphinterotomy (EST) for difficult bile duct stone with condiserable success rate and low complication rate. However, little is known about proper ballooning time for EPLBD.

Mo1340 Has Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Benefit for Recurrence of Difficult Bile Duct Stones?

Mo1340 Has Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Benefit for Recurrence of Difficult Bile Duct Stones?

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after limited sphincterotomy for difficult biliary stones

To assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after biliary sphincterotomy for difficult bile duct stones retrieval. Retrospective review of consecutive patients submitted to the technique during 18 mo. The main outcomes considered were: efficacy of the procedure (complete stone clearance; number of sessions; need of lithotripsy) and complications. A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 10 years, 23 female (77%) and 7 male (23%) were enrolled. In 10 patients, a single stone was found in the common bile duct (33%) and in 20 patients multiple stones (67%) were found. The median diameter of the stones was 17 mm (12-30 mm). Dilations were performed with progressive diameter Through-The-Scope balloons (up to 12, 15) or 18 mm. Complete retrieval of stones was achieved in a single session in 25 patients (84%) and in two sessions in 4 patients (13%). Failure occurred in 1 case (6%). Mechanical lithotripsy was performed in 6 cases (20%). No severe complications occurred. One patient (3%) had mild-grade post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. Endoscopic balloon dilatation with a large balloon after endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and effective technique that could be considered an alternative choice in therapeutic ERCP.