Management of Large Common Bile Duct Stones: Review Article

Abstract

Large common bile duct (CBD) stones present significant therapeutic challenges due to their size, composition, and associated complications. Advances in endoscopic, surgical, and lithotripsy techniques have broadened the management options, with individualized treatment strategies tailored according to stone size, number, patient comorbidities, and available expertise. This paper reviews the current approaches to the management of large CBD stones, emphasizing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), lithotripsy, peroral cholangioscopy, and surgical interventions, along with recent technological innovations that enhance success rates and safety.