Biliopancreatic ascariasis:: endoscopic approach

From June 1985 to June 1999, 120 patients were diagnosed by means of panendoscopy, choledocoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as having biliary and pancreatic ascariasis. All duodenoscopic procedures were performed under fluoroscopic control. Endoscopic extraction was successful in 99 of 108 (92%) patients, some of whom had had previous endoscopic sphincterotomy. The endoscopic accessories used were a basket catheter, polypectomy snare, and balloon catheter. Because no significant complications were observed after this endoscopic treatment, we recommend endoscopic extractions for biliary ascariasis.