Cholangioscopy for biliary diseases

Abstract

Purpose of reviewCholangioscopy is a mini-invasive endoscopic procedure, which consists in a direct intraductal visualization of the biliary tract. The purpose of this review is to summarize the technique, the clinical applications, as well as future perspectives of cholangioscopy. Recent findingsNumerous technologic advances during the last decades have allowed for an improved utility and functionality, leading to a broader use of this procedure, for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, in the setting of biliary diseases. Novel tools and emerging indications have been developed and more are yet to come. SummaryCholangioscopy can be performed by peroral, percutaneous transhepatic or intra-operative transcystic or transcholedochal access. Clinical applications of cholangioscopy are multiple, ranging from visual impression and optical guided biopsies of indeterminate biliary strictures to the management of difficult stones , guidance before biliary stenting and retrieval of migrated ductal stents. Multiple devices such as lithotripsy probes, biopsy forceps, snares and baskets have been developed to help achieve these procedures successfully. Cholangioscopy has improved the way biliary diseases can be visualized and treated. New technology, accessories, and applications are expected in the future.

A Case of Foreign Body in the Biliary Tree and the Challenge of Hypereosinophilia

“…Our case serves as a compelling example of the expanding role of endoscopy in replacing traditional redo-surgical approaches for gastro-intestinal post-surgical complications [1][2][3][4]. While cholangioscopy is a valuable additional treatment option for indeterminate biliary stenosis and biliary stone removal [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], its unavailability at our Endoscopy Unit during the procedure necessitated the use of the traditional technique.…”

Diagnostic and therapeutic cholangioscopy performed by various accesses to the bile ducts

“…Наиболее частые причины проксимального билиарного блока злокачественного генеза -холангиокарцинома, гепатоцеллюлярный рак, рак желчного пузыря и метастатическое поражение печени. К доброкачественным причинам относят рубцовые стриктуры после ятрогенного повреждения протоков, стриктуру билиодигестивного анастомоза (БДА), хронический панкреатит, первичный склерозирующий холангит (ПСХ) [4,5].…”

Percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy in the management of hepatolithiasis: a narrative review

“…Furthermore, reports indicate that ERCP, when coupled with percutaneous choledochoscopy, can be effectively applied in challenging cases involving intrahepatic bile duct stones ( 77 ). Choledochoscopy is widely adopted, and the combination of PTCS with postoperative choledochoscopy has proven beneficial in addressing postoperative residual stones ( 78 , 79 ).…”