Abstract:Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the SpyGlass DS direct-view choledochoscopy system assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of complex bile duct stones.Methods A retrospective control design was used in this study. The clinical data of 92 patients with complex bile duct stones who were treated from January 2022 to May 2025 were collected. They were grouped according to the treatment plan, with 46 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with the SpyGlass DS direct-view choledochoscopy system-assisted ERCP, and the control group was treated with ERCP alone. The stone clearance effect, perioperative conditions and complications of the two groups were observed. The stress response indexes [cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)], total bilirubin (TBiL), total bile acid (TBA) and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) score were compared.Results The one-time stone clearance rate and hospitalization cost of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, the operation time was longer than that of the control group, the hospitalization time was shorter than that of the control group, and the incidence of complications was lower than that of the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The levels of serum Cor, NE and ACTH at 1 and 3 d after operation, and the levels of TBiL and TBA at 3 and 7 d after operation in the observation group were lower than those of the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The GIQLI scores of the two groups of patients one month after the operation were higher than those before the operation, and the score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion The SpyGlass DS direct-view choledochoscopy system assisted ERCP can improve the stone clearance effect of complex bile duct stones, reduce stress responses, decrease complications, improve bile function, and enhance the quality of life of patients. However, it will increase the difficulty of the surgery and the economic burden on the patient. Clinically, appropriate surgical methods can be selected based on the patient's condition.