Common-Bile-Duct Stones

IN recent years, cholecystectomy has been performed in an increasing number of patients. As a result, two serious complications of biliary-tract surgery have occurred with increasing frequency. The first and most serious is operative injury to the common bile duct. The other complication is the frequent need for a second operation because of inadequate surgery at the time of cholecystectomy. Only part of the gall bladder may have been removed. Cystic-duct stumps 2 or 3 cm. long and containing stones may remain. Recurrent attacks of severe right-upper-quadrant pain may be due to unrelieved stenosis of the sphincter of Oddi.1 The . . .