Instrumental removal of retained stones after choledochotomy.

Despite the widespread use of operative cholangiography and choledoschoscopy, stones are still left behind after exploration of the common bile duct. Reoperation is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. The use of a steerable catheter-basket technique has enabled stones to be removed from the biliary tract in the vast majority of cases without significant complications and has practically eliminated the need for further surgery.