up to 20mm balloons used in Endoscopic Balloon Dilation + transverse colon thoughts Re: The diameter of the Common Bile Duct (reposted from below)

I agree 100%! >>> The fact that these ducts can become markedly distended by biliary obstruction indicates some expansive, elastic capabilities to the bile duct. When the bile duct is relaxed with magnesium, the pressure from a lodged stone and strong gallbladder contractions (from heavy oil ingestion) will cause a stone to expand the duct along it's length as they slide out.<<<

And I'll add, that even MORE expansion is likely possible if we ensure the transverse colon is not engorged and pressing on the gallbladder and the various ducts.  There's VERY good reasons that the order of cleansing is always "colon first"  (from my post here: http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1745851#i)

Most people don't realize that one of the common complications of gallbladder removal surgery is when the gallbladder has become somehow 'attached' to the transverse colon.  The transverse colon (even when it's a normal size) constantly puts pressure on the liver [gallbladder & ducts], but in most people it's full of several meals worth of food instead of just 'one meals worth' (not to mention the build-up of gas & debris) and the resulting engorgement can be pressing and squishing the biliary network for decades, ultimately causing all kinds of liver, colon and overall health issues.  Just IMAGINE how compromised the liver could be if the transverse colon was engorged enough to press constantly on the gallbladder!  (And the gallbladder can be different locations for many people - so the the colon can squish/constrict the gallbladder even when it's not overly engorged).

(there are other images, particularly those taken during surgery,  that show a MUCH 'tigher squeeze')

It's only logical...to ensure the maximum 'stretching' of the ducts and successful flushing (with lack of complications!), we need to first ensure the organs & ducts are not squished or compressed in ANY manner.  

On to the data regarding EBD using balloons...

There are many sizes of the balloons used for endoscopic balloon dilation of the common bile duct & papilla (for stones/blockages of the cbd).

The largest  balloon I see on a quick search is 20mm diameter (which would have an outer circumference of 62.8mm/6.2 cm).

The balloon dilation procedure is sometimes done with a sphincterotomy, but we also have evidence (links below) that the accompanying sphincterotomies may be unnecessary...as in, they don't have to whack off the sphincter to ensure the stones will pass through :)

http://www.ajronline.org/content/174/5/1455.full
Effectiveness and Safety of Balloon Dilation of the Papilla and the Use of an Occlusion Balloon for Clearance of Bile Duct Calculi

(from the link above):
>>>Balloon dilation of the papilla to allow stones to pass into the duodenum has been described for both the transhepatic and endoscopic routes as a safe and successful technique. However, comparing it with other techniques has received little attention in the radiology and endoscopy literature. In 1983, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation was proposed by Staritz et al. [18] as a less hazardous alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy in a small series of 11 successfully treated patients. May et al. [19] in 1993 and Mac Mathuna et al. [20] in 1994 reevaluated this technique. Later, in 1995, Mathuna et al. [21] reported a larger series of 100 patients. In 1997, Bergman et al. [22] reported a randomized study of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy. Bergman et al. concluded that endoscopic papillary balloon dilation is a valuable alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy. More recently, Komatsu et al. [23], in their experience with 226 patients, concluded that endoscopic papillary balloon dilation might become a standard procedure for the treatment of common bile duct stones in the future.  <<<

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/11/69
Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation alone without sphincterotomy for the treatment of large common bile duct stones

From above:

>>>A total of 247 patients were reviewed in the current study. The patients' characteristics are shown in Table 1. The mean age of the patients was 71.2 (76% ≧ 65 years). The mean CBD size was 18.1 mm. The mean number of stones was 2.3, and the mean stone size was 16.4 mm. Of the 247 patients assessed, 132 (53.4%) had an intact gallbladder (86 had gallbladder stones) and 121 (49%) had a juxtapapillary diverticulum. Presenting symptoms included abdominal pain, 179 (72.5%); fever, 92 (37.3%); jaundice, 155 (62.8%); and pancreatitis, 18 (7.3%). The comorbidities of patients graded by the American Society for Anesthesia Classification are shown in Table 2.<<<

>>> Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation alone is simple, safe, and effective in dealing with large CBDS in relatively aged and debilitated patients.<<<

Just IMAGINE if these (all!) patients had ensured 'clearance' with no pressing/squishing from the colon and done good "prepwork" before the procedures (colon cleansing, bitters, cholagogue herbs/foods, adequate oil intake, foot reflexology, castor oil packs, coffee enemas, etc).  'Tis likely many of them wouldn't even have needed to have a "procedure"!  And it certainly would make flushing far more successful! :)

It's SO very important that we stop thinking like the allopaths & "science", and start remembering that EVERY organ/system in the body is dependent upon the others!  I've been reading the Liver Flush forum for years, and while I can't possibly have all the data necessary to make a 'scientifically valid conclusion', I have clearly seen a pattern with the success and positive results from those that have done thorough colon cleansing before flushing...and frustrated, nauseated, eventful, 'many flushes before seeing stones' from those that flush without cleansing or prepping (or those treat the liver/gallbladder as though it's a "system unto itself").  It only makes sense, eh?  Epsom Salts can't dilate or expand 'anything', if the 'anything' is physically prevented from expanding by another organ.

Healthiest of blessings,

Uny