Biliary stone removal: The interventional radiologist's role

Despite the recent popularity of endoscopic techniques, the interventional radiologist retains an important role in the non-surgical management of biliary duct stones. In the cases where endoscopic sphincterotomy is difficult, the radiologist can be of great assistance to the endoscopist. When endoscopic stone removal is not feasible, the radiologist can treat patients percutaneously. When surgery is performed in patients with recurrent stone disease, the radiologist can maintain biliary toilet. The various approaches to biliary removal through non-surgical tracts are discussed. (orig.)