BACKGROUND: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for common bile duct (CBD) stones removal in Billroth II gastrectomy patients is feasible. However, the long-term outcomes of this technique are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedural and long-term outcomes of EPBD for removal of CBD stones in Billroth II gastrectomy patients.

METHODS: The records of patients with previous Billroth II gastrectomy referred for CBD stones removal with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between July 1, 2008 and September 1, 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcomes of stone clearance, ERCP-related adverse events, and stone recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 83 patients with previous Billroth II gastrectomy underwent ERCP in our center were reviewed. Forty-nine consecutive patients with previous Billroth II gastrectomy referred to EPBD for removal of CBD stones underwent 59 ERCP procedures were enrolled in the end. The overall successful CBD stones clearance was achieved in 42 patients (85.7%). ERCP-related adverse events was in 3 ERCP procedures (5.1%). Severe complications, including perforation and bleeding, were not observed. Six of 49 patients (12.2%) had stone recurrence after a median period of 22.5 months (range 6-71 months) from the end of stone removal treatment. Female [odds ratio (OR) =?11.352; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.040-123.912; P?=?0.046] and previous mechanical lithotripsy (OR?=?13.423; 95% CI: 1.070-168.434; P?=?0.044) were significantly associated with stone recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS: At long-term follow-up, EPBD for removal of CBD stones appeared to be safe and effective in Billroth II gastrectomy patients. Female and previous mechanical lithotripsy may be risk factors for stone recurrence.