Rate of Duodenal-biliary Reflux Increases in Patients With Recurrent Common Bile Duct Stones

Rate of Duodenal-biliary Reflux Increases in Patients With Recurrent Common Bile Duct Stones: Direct Evidence From Barium Meal Examination

ERCP is the primary choice for removal of common bile duct stone (CBDS) currently. However, 4-24% patients underwent recurrence after successful clearance of CBDS. Stone re-formation due to chronic inflammation of biliary duct is generally considered an important cause of CBDS recurrence, which is associated with duodenal-biliary reflux (DBR) after sphincterotomy. Although it was believed that DBR was the important cause of CBDS recurrence, the direct evidence was still lacking. Here we conducted a case control study to investigate the DBR rate in patients with recurrent CBDS after ERCP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with common bile duct stone underwent successful stone removal by ERCP in Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Gallbladder stones or hepatolithiasis;
• Stenosis of biliary duct;
• Incomplete common bile duct stone removal by ERCP;
• Common bile duct stent;
• Unable to provide informed consent.