Percutaneous dilatation of the lower end of the common bile duct and ampulla through T-tube tract for removal of bile duct calculi

Twelve retained common bile duct (CBD) stones were successfully removed in three patients after percutaneous transhepatic dilatation of the lower end of CBD and ampulla. The calculi were pushed into the duodenum with the help of a partially dilated balloon without any significant complication. In one patient, the stone could not be pushed down despite double balloon dilatation. This procedure may be practised as an alternative to surgery or endoscopic sphincterotomy.