Removal of a huge biliary stone using a novel spiral basket via the endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticojejunostomy route

Antegrade bile duct stone removal is an option for the treatment of bile duct stones with inaccessible papillae, for example due to surgically altered anatomy [1] [2] [3]. Acute pancreatitis can develop as a complication of this procedure because it requires endoscopic papillary balloon dilation. Alternatively, transluminal stone removal can be performed without the risk of acute pancreatitis [4]. However, during transluminal stone removal, stones can migrate into the right bile duct system or B2. Therefore, transluminal stone removal should be attempted using special stone-catching devices. Recently, a novel spiral basket catheter (VorticCatch V; Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) has become available in Japan ([Fig. 1]). The spiral shape of this device, along with the presence of a guidewire, enhances its ability to catch stones. We herein describe the technical procedure for removal of a huge common bile duct (CBD) stone via the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticojejunostomy (HJS) route using this novel spiral basket catheter.

Fig. 1 The novel spiral basket catheter (VorticCatch V; Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan).

A 77-year-old man who underwent total gastrectomy was hospitalized because of obstructive jaundice due to a huge CBD stone. EUS-HJS was performed using a metal stent, and stone removal was attempted after 1 week. First, the EUS-HJS stent was removed. Then, a cholangioscope was inserted and the huge CBD stone was identified ([Fig. 2]). Endoscopic hydraulic lithotripsy was attempted and stone fragmentation was performed ([Fig. 3]). Next, the novel spiral basket was inserted into the CBD and the fragments were grasped. Owing to its superior ability to catch stones, transluminal stone removal was successfully performed without stone migration into other bile duct branches ([Fig. 4], [Video 1]). Finally, to maintain patency of the fistula, a plastic stent was deployed ([Fig. 5]). In conclusion, this novel spiral basket might be clinically useful for transluminal stone removal.

Fig. 2 A huge common bile duct stone was observed (arrow).

Fig. 3 Stone fragmentation was successfully performed using endoscopic hydraulic lithotripsy under cholangioscopic guidance.

Fig. 4 The novel spiral basket catheter was inserted into the common bile duct through the fistula, and the fragmented stone was successfully removed.

Video 1 The endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticojejunostomy stent was removed. The huge stone was fragmentated using endoscopic hydraulic lithotripsy. The novel spiral basket was inserted, and transluminal stone removal was attempted several times.

Fig. 5 A plastic stent was deployed.

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Mukai S, Itoi T. EUS-guided antegrade procedures. Endosc Ultrasound 2019; 8: S7-S13
• 2 Iwashita T, Nakai Y, Hara K. et al. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment of bile duct stone in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci 2016; 23: 227-233
• 3 James TW, Fan YC, Baron TH. EUS-guided hepaticoenterostomy as a portal to allow definitive antegrade treatment of benign biliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy. Gastrointest Endosc 2018; 88: 547-554
• 4 Ogura T, Fukunishi S, Higuchi K. Transluminal common bile duct stone removal under digital cholangioscopic guidance. Dig Endosc 2019; 31: 591

Publication History

Article published online:
09 August 2021