Initial experience with ultrafine choledochoscopy combined with low-dose atropine for the treatment of Oddi intersphincter stones.

Background: In recent years, the use of ultrafine choledochoscopy has gradually increased in the treatment of cholelithiasis. However, stone incarceration and residual spasm of the sphincter of Oddi may be inevitable when an ultrafine choledochoscope is used alone.

Aim: To investigate the safety and feasibility of ultrafine choledochoscopy combined with low-dose atropine in the treatment of Oddi intersphincter stones.

Methods: Seventeen patients with Oddi intersphincter stones were retrospectively analyzed. The perioperative clinical data and follow-up information were collected.

Results: Among the 17 patients, 3 were male and 14 were female. The mean age was 40.6 ± 13.9 years, and the mean diameter of the common bile duct was 7.8 ± 1.3 mm. All patients successfully underwent Oddi intersphincter stone removal using a combination of ultrafine choledochoscopy and low-dose atropine. No serious complications, such as postoperative hemorrhage, pancreatitis or bile leakage occurred in the 17 patients. During the one-year follow-up, none of the patients experienced stone recurrence.

Conclusion: Ultrafine choledochoscopy combined with low-dose atropine is safe and feasible for the treatment of Oddi intersphincter stones.