Endoscopic management of common bile duct stones: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline

Gallstones are a very common problem in developed countries [1 – 3]. Most patients with gallstones remain asymptomatic throughout their lifetime [4, 5], but 10%– 25% of them may develop biliary pain or complications [6 – 9], with an annual risk of about 2%– 3% for symptomatic disease [10] and 1%–2% for major complications [11]. The development of symptomatic disease and complications is mostly related to the migration of stones into the common bile duct (CBD). Common bile duct stones (CBDSs) may be treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or surgically during cholecystectomy. The aim of this evidence- and consensus-based Guideline, commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), is to provide practical advice on how to manage patients with CBDSs. It considers diagnostic strategies in patients with suspected CBDSs, as well as the different therapeutic options available for CBDSs.