Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones in children.
Methods: The study included 12 pediatric patients (4 males, 8 females; age range, 1-16 years; mean age, 6.6 years) who underwent percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones between September 2007 and December 2015. Demographic data, patient symptoms, indications for interventions, technical and clinical outcomes of the procedure, and complications were retrospectively evaluated.
Results: Of 12 children, five children with cholelithiasis underwent cholecystectomy subsequently. The overall technical and clinical success rate was 100%. One patient had cholangitis as a complication during the follow-up and was treated medically.
Conclusion: Percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones is a safe and effective method for the treatment of children with biliary stone disease. It is a feasible alternative when the endoscopic procedure is unavailable or fails.