Cholangioscopy: Has It Changed Management?

Abstract

The single operator per oral cholangioscope is a catheter-based system that allows for direct visualization of the bile duct and pancreatic duct. The instrument with its improved imaging technique and larger accessory channel allows for high-quality image acquisition and performance of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures within the bile duct and pancreatic duct. There has been an increase in the range of indications for the use of the cholangioscope. The current indications include management of difficult biliary stones, pancreatic calculi, assessment of indeterminate biliary stricture, pancreatic stricture, intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and extractions of proximally migrated stents. The use of laser lithotripsy and electro-hydraulic lithotripsy has improved the management of difficult bile duct stones. Direct visualization of biliary and pancreatic duct strictures is helpful in the diagnosis of indeterminate strictures. In this review, we explore how cholangioscopy has changed management.