Papillary dilation using large-bored (12–20 mm) balloon dilation catheter was performed through the percutaneous transhepatic route. We analyzed the efficacy of the stone retrieval and post-procedure complications after the procedure. Results: The success rate for the complete duct clearance was 100%. There was no patient who needs use of basket to remove the stone learn more after PPLBD. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy was required in 2 (18.2%) patients. The median time to complete stone removal after PPLBD was 17.8 minutes. There was no any complications

occurred after PPLBD. Asymptomatic hyperamylasemia did not occur in all patients. Conclusion: The current data suggested that PPLBD is safe and effective for removal of large CBD stones. Keywords: Balloon Dilation, Choledocholithiasis N MAQBOUL,1 S GUPTA1,2 1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, 2The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, Australia Introduction: EUS plays an important role in the characterisation of gastro-intestinal and pancreatic lesions. EUS/FNA allows real-time sampling with minimal risk of complications. The Echotip Procore 25-gauge (Cook Medical) is a novel needle designed to obtain tissue for both cytology and histology, potentially increasing diagnostic yield with fewer needle passes. Methods: A retrospective review of all EUS performed between June 2012 and May 2013 at two tertiary referral academic

centres in Brisbane, Australia. All selleck compound EUS were carried out by a single endoscopist. EUS/FNA procedures utilising the Echotip Procore 25-gauge needle were included for analysis. A positive result was defined medchemexpress as adequate cellular yield and cytology concordant with the predicted diagnosis at the time of EUS. Assessment of tissue for histology was not routinely performed. Results: A total of 82 EUS/FNA were performed using the Echotip Procore 25-gauge needle in 49 males and 33 females. Indication for EUS/FNA was further characterisation of a pancreatic mass (67.1% of cases), gastric/duodenal lesions (13.4%), mediastinal masses/lymphadenopathy/lung

lesions (13.4%), liver lesions (4.9%) and evaluation of a rectal lesion (1.2%). On-site cytopathology service was utilised when available. Positive results were obtained in 72 of the 82 cases (87.8%); one was a second procedure in a patient with an initial negative result. Negative, or non-diagnostic, results were seen in 10 of the 82 cases (12.2%). The mean number of passes in the positive group was 3.40, compared with 3.60 in the negative group. There were no immediate complications with this technique. Conclusion: Our initial experience utilising the Echotip Procore 25-gauge needle resulted in high diagnostic yield with very few passes, and low complication rates. Given the higher cost associated with this needle in Australia, a randomised trial comparing yield against the standard 25-gauge needle would be needed to determine cost-effectiveness.