Safety and Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Difficult-to-retrieve Common Bile Duct Stones: A Ten-year Experience

Abstract Background and Objective: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for common bile duct (CBD) stones has been used in the past, but experience is limited. We report our experience of ESWL in the management of difficult CBD stones. Methods: Patients with difficult-to-retrieve CBD stones were enrolled and underwent ESWL. Fluoroscopy is used to target the stones after injection of contrast via nasobiliary drain. CBD clearance was the main outcome of the study. Results: Eighty-three patients were included (mean age 50.5