Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD) combined with local litholytic therapy versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) alone for treating intrahepatic bile duct stones.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 160 patients divided into joint group (JG, n=80; PTCD with litholytic therapy) and ERCP group (EG, n=80). Parameters compared included surgical metrics, short-term efficacy indicators, liver function tests, inflammatory markers, complications, and recurrence rates.

Results:

The JG showed significantly shorter operative times, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, lower costs, and faster recovery than the EG (all P<.05). At 3 months postoperatively, liver function indicators (TBIL, ALT, AST, ALP) and inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT) were significantly improved in the JG compared to the EG. Perioperative complication rates (7.5% vs. 18.75%) and 12-month recurrence rates (7.5% vs. 18.8%) were lower in the JG (P=.035).

Conclusions:

Combined PTCD with local litholytic therapy offers advantages over ERCP alone, including reduced trauma, faster recovery, improved liver function, and lower complication and recurrence rates.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, Local litholysis, ERCP, Intrahepatic bile duct stones, Clinical efficacy, Complications, Recurrence rate
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Competing Interests

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

2025