The effect of biliary stenting on difficult common bile duct stones

Abstract Introduction: If common bile duct (CBD) stones (choledocholithiasis) are left untreated, they may cause increases in morbidity and mortality due to several conditions. Aim: In this study, using transient biliary stenting following the failure of an initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) session, we aimed to show the effects of making the CBD stones smaller and easier to remove in the following session. Material and methods: In 156 of 1300 (12%) patients with CBD stones, who underwent balloon screening and/or