Effectiveness and complication rates of percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management of common bile duct stones: a single-arm meta-analysis

Objectives To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the success and complication rate of percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management (PTFM) for the removal of common bile duct stones (CBDS). Methods A comprehensive literature search of multiple databases was conducted to identify original articles published between January 2010 and June 2022, reporting the success rate of PTFM for the removal of CBDS. A random-effect model was used to summarize the pooled rates of success and complications with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Eighteen studies involving 2554 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Failed or infeasible endoscopic management was the most common indication of PTFM. The meta-analytic summary estimates of PTFM for the removal of CBDS were as follows: rate of overall stone clearance 97.1% (95% CI, 95.7–98.5%); stone clearance at first attempt 80.5% (95% CI, 72.3–88.6%); overall complications 13.8% (95% CI, 9.7–18.0%); major complications 2.8% (95% CI, 1.4–4.2%); and minor complications 9.3% (95% CI, 5.7–12.8%). Egger’s tests showed the presence of publication bias with respect to the overall complications ( p = 0.049). Transcholecystic management of CBDS had an 88.5% pooled rate for overall stone clearance (95% CI, 81.2–95.7%), with a 23.0% rate for complications (95% CI, 5.7–40.4%). Conclusion The systematic review and meta-analysis answer the questions of the overall stone clearance, clearance at first attempt, and complication rate of PTFM by summarizing the available literature. Percutaneous management could be considered in cases with failed or infeasible endoscopic management of CBDS. Clinical relevance statement This meta-analysis highlights the excellent stone clearance rate achieved through percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided removal of common bile duct stones, potentially influencing clinical decision-making when endoscopic treatment is not feasible. Key Points • Percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management of common bile duct stones had a pooled rate of 97.1% for overall stone clearance and 80.5% for clearance at the first attempt . • Percutaneous transhepatic management of common bile duct stones had an overall complication rate of 13.8%, including a major complication rate of 2.8% . • Percutaneous transcholecystic management of common bile duct stones had an overall stone clearance rate of 88.5% and a complication rate of 23.0% .