Our Hospital Successfully Performs PTCL Surgery for Complex Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones...
Our Hospital Successfully Performs PTCL Surgery for Complex Intrahepatic Bile Duct Stones, Filling a Gap in the Hexi Region
Recently, Wuwei Cancer Hospital in Gansu Province achieved a significant medical breakthrough. The Hepatobiliary Surgery II Department of the hospital’s Hepatobiliary Center, in close collaboration with Professor Wang Ping, an authority on PTCL surgery from the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, successfully performed a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiolithotomy (PTCL) for a patient with a history of multiple bile duct surgeries. With full support from the hospital’s Ultrasound Department, this procedure not only fills a critical treatment gap in the Hexi region but also brings new hope to patients suffering from complex hepatobiliary stones.
What is PTCL?
PTCL (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopic Lithotomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating biliary tract stones.
The technique involves creating a needle-sized puncture (about the thickness of a chopstick) in the abdominal wall. Guided by color Doppler ultrasound, a fine needle is used to access dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. First, an external-to-intrahepatic bile duct pathway is established, which is then gradually dilated to accommodate the sheath of a rigid choledochoscope.
A protective biliary sheath is placed within this tract, forming an artificial tunnel that connects the outside of the body to the intrahepatic bile ducts. Through this tract, surgeons can access the biliary system and perform "ultra-minimally invasive" precision treatment for hepatobiliary stones.
Advantages of PTCL
- Minimal Trauma (Less Invasive)Traditionally, patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones often underwent major liver resection surgery, which carried significant trauma. In contrast, PTCL requires only a tiny incision (<0.4 cm) on the skin, avoiding large surgical cuts. This greatly reduces physical trauma, accelerates postoperative recovery, and minimizes patient discomfort.
- Highly Efficient Stone RemovalUnder direct visualization via an advanced choledochoscope, PTCL enables deep access to both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, effectively removing stones that are difficult to reach with other surgical methods—ensuring more thorough stone clearance. Additionally, biliary stricture dilation can be performed under choledochoscopic guidance when needed.
- Fewer ComplicationsWith minimal surgical injury, PTCL significantly lowers the risk of postoperative complications such as infection and bleeding, leading to smoother recovery.
- Repeatable TreatmentFor complex hepatobiliary stone cases where stones remain after the first procedure, multiple PTCL sessions can be safely performed, offering patients additional treatment flexibility when needed.
Who is suitable for PTCL?
- Patients with residual or recurrent stones after surgeryThose who have undergone previous hepatobiliary surgery but still have residual or recurrent stones, where repeat conventional surgery would be challenging.
- Patients facing difficulties with repeat surgeryIndividuals who have undergone multiple abdominal surgeries with severe intra-abdominal adhesions, where conventional surgery has limited operating space. PTCL can avoid adhesion areas to achieve precise stone removal.
- Patients unwilling or unable to undergo open surgeryIncluding elderly patients, those in poor general condition, or patients with multiple comorbidities who cannot tolerate the trauma of open surgery. PTCL's minimally invasive nature makes it a more suitable option.
- Patients with hepatobiliary stones and infections, biliary strictures, or bilioenteric anastomotic stones/stenosisParticularly for those with severe infections requiring urgent biliary decompression and stone removal to control infection. PTCL can resolve these issues efficiently in a short time frame.
The Second Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hepatobiliary Center, Wuwei Cancer Hospital
As a specialized single-disease center for hepatobiliary, splenic, and pancreatic diseases, our department not only performs standardized surgical treatments for malignant hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors but also excels in ultra-minimally invasive therapies for complex biliary and pancreatic duct stones. Our treatment level ranks among the top in the Hexi region.
We have successfully completed over 150 cases of single-incision ultra-minimally invasive gallbladder-preserving stone removal and polyp extraction surgeries, demonstrating our expertise in minimally invasive techniques. Our department is committed to providing high-quality, efficient medical services for patients.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a Siemens 3.0T MRI, a dynamic 500-slice Gemstone Spectral CT, and a domestically developed four-arm surgical robot, we ensure precise diagnosis and advanced treatment. Over the years, we have performed more than 2,000 Grade III and IV hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeries, accumulating extensive clinical experience.
Our recent collaboration with Professor Wang Ping, a leading expert in hepatobiliary surgery from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, represents a powerful partnership, enabling new breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases at our hospital.
Moving forward, we will continue to uphold the philosophy of "patient-centered care", constantly improving our medical expertise to safeguard the health of more patients.
If you or your loved ones are facing related health concerns, please feel free to consult the Second Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hepatobiliary Center, Wuwei Cancer Hospital.
Consultation Addresses:
- 2nd Floor, Building 2, China Heavy Ion Tumor & Wellness Town, Ronghua Avenue, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province
- Outpatient Department, 1st Floor, Surgery Clinic Area, Room 126A, China Heavy Ion Wellness Town, Ronghua Avenue, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province
- Outpatient Department, Room 322, Central Campus, Wuwei Cancer Hospital, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province
Consultation Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Let’s work together for better health. We look forward to helping more patients regain their well-being here at Wuwei Cancer Hospital.