Ace the 2026 Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) Exam – Slice Through with Surgical Precision!

After confirming the presence of a common bile duct (CBD) stone with cholangiography, the next logical step is to advance the stent through the cystic duct under fluoroscopy. This step is crucial as it allows the healthcare provider to navigate the anatomy properly while ensuring that the stent is placed correctly to help alleviate any obstruction caused by the stone.

The use of fluoroscopy during this step ensures continuous visualization of the stent's advancement, allowing the surgeon to check for the proper positioning and avoid any potential complications. Placing the stent in this manner helps facilitate bile drainage and can assist in managing the patients who may require further intervention for the CBD stone.

Other steps in the process, such as removing the gallbladder or clamping the cystic duct, are not immediate follow-ups after confirming the stone. These actions may be necessary later in the operative procedure, but advancing the stent is a critical next step directly related to managing the confirmed CBD stone. This approach prioritizes ensuring that the drainage pathway is effectively established before proceeding with additional interventions.