T-tube access for endoscopic sphincterotomy: a variant of combined percutaneous and endoscopic approach.

Selective deep cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD), which is essential for successful endoscopic sphincterotomy, may not be possible in all patients. Three patients with retained CBD stones with T-tube in situ in whom selective deep cannulation failed, underwent successful sphincterotomy using a combined percutaneous and endoscopic procedure through the T-tube. CBD stones were then extracted with a Dormia basket. In situ T-tube can provide percutaneous access for combined approach in patients with retained CBD stones in whom endoscopic cannulation is not successful.