Prospective Randomized Trial of Cholangioscopy Guided Intraductal Lithotripsy Versus Papillary Balloon Dilation for the Endoscopic Treatment of Large Bile Duct Stones

The study will be a prospective single blind randomized comparative trial. All patients presenting with choledocholithiasis will be considered for the study. If their ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates a large stone (>1cm) and they do not fulfill the exclusion criterion they will be eligible for the study. If a prior Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrates a stone >1cm, which could not be removed with standard methods, they will also be eligible. Randomization will be stratified based on whether or not the procedure is a first or repeat ERCP

Patients will be randomized using a computer generated randomization schedule with concealed allocation in a 1:1 assignment (allocation ratio) to initial cholangioscopy guided lithoripsy versus initial papillary dilation. Randomization will be blocked in groups of 12.

In those randomized to cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy, the procedure will be performed in the standard manner using a single operator cholangioscopy system and a holmium laser or EHL (dependent on availability). Those in the papillary dilation arm will undergo the standard approach using the combined papillary dilation balloon sphincterotomy system. The patients will be blinded as to treatment arm.

"Conventional" methods including mechanical lithotripsy or stent placement may be used to remove stones/debris in combination with the specified intervention, as is done for standard clinical care. Use of these strategies will be recorded

If stone removal fails with the assigned strategy, this will be considered failure of the assigned intervention. This decision will be made by the attending endoscopist and recorded. The patient will then crossover into the other treatment arm.