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Use of the U Tube During Repeated Nonoperative Stone Extractions

H. Joachim Burhenne, MD; Harry E. Peters, MD

Arch Surg. 1978;113(7):837-841.

Abstract
• Of 355 patients undergoing nonoperative extraction procedures for retained bile duct stones, 61 patients had intrahepatic calculi. In seven of these patients with multiple intrahepatic stones, a U tube was placed.

Insertion of a U tube is particularly useful if multiple sittings are required for intrahepatic stone removal. The U tube can be inserted postoperatively and permits ease of operation from two sides, particularly if stricture dilation is required before stone removal. With the use of the U tube, inadvertent removal has not occurred and patients are able to work and shower between extraction procedures. Indwelling U tubes are readily replaced over a guide wire. This technique was used with good success and for long periods of time in seven patients, all with multiple intrahepatic stones and two of them with additional hepatic duct strictures.

(Arch Surg 113:837-841, 1978)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (Dr Burhenne); and the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco (Dr Peters).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication March 2, 1978.

Read before the 85th annual meeting of the Western Surgical Association, Las Vegas, Nov 16, 1977.

Reprint requests to Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, 10th Ave & Heather St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9 (Dr Burhenne).