🔍 Key Findings
- Open transcholecystic cholangioscopy was feasible using a 3.8 mm disposable flexible endoscope in all 8 canine cadavers.
- Visualization was consistently achieved up to the junction of the hepatic ducts, common bile duct, and cystic duct.
- Advancement past the junction was limited by the endoscope diameter (3.8 mm) and anatomical flexure.
- The 1.9 mm flexible ureteroscope could visualize the entire biliary tree, including the major duodenal papilla, in a large dog (43.8 kg).
- Endoscopic tools (e.g., 3 Fr grasping forceps) could be passed through the working channel only after removing the irrigation line.
- Standard biopsy forceps were incompatible with the disposable endoscope's 1.2 mm working channel.
- Cadaver study showed no rupture, but clinical extrapolation is limited due to lack of diseased tissue.
- Disposable endoscope setup cost (~$6,100) was significantly lower than traditional endoscopy systems (~$75,000–100,000), improving accessibility.
