[Superiority of endoscopic ultrasonography in detection of choledocholithiasis over standard ultrasound].

AIMS The EUS is a minimally invasive method, with a most specificness and sensitivity in verification of concrements in choledochus. The aim of this study is to compare the findings of conventional ultrasound with radial EUS in diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. PTS AND METHODS: 2o pts were included in the study, 13 females. All pts were under susceptibility of concrement presence in choledoch. From 32 examinees in 13 by the none methods was confirmed that they have the obstruction of this ethiolology. The rest 19 examinees underwent endoscopy by an experienced endosonographyst, completely independent of eventual findings by conventional US. Comparative method was done by an ultrasonographer, also uninformed of earlier procedures. RESULTS 5/20 pts (25%), were excluded from the study. 5/15 pts (33%) were females. Nine (60%) pts (2 males) examined by EUS, showed a presence of concrements in a choledoch, its size varying from 1 x 1 mm to 16 x 6 mm. US provided a very similar results, with minimal differences in the size of concrements (t = 1,706; p < 0.10). In 3 pts the EUS determined a presence of concrements in choledoch, with sizes varying from 1.5 mm to 4 mm, whilst US showed a susceptible changes with recommendation for further analysis. The EUS findings in 3 patients verified a small concrements in choledoch, while standard US did not show presence of these concrements. It is necessary to underline that last three patients underwent cholechistecthomy. CONCLUSION The radial EUS is a preferred method with excellent performance in verification of choledocholithiasis.