Endoscopic Cholangiography for Biliary System Diagnosis

We evaluated the results of endoscopic cholangiography in 108 patients who were examined for possible biliary tract obstruction. The clinical diagnosis of extrahepatic obstruction was confirmed in 48 and reversed in 13 of 70 patients. Nine studies were unsuccessful. The site of ductal obstruction was evident before surgery in 47 patients, and in 42 patients cholangiographic features led to a correct diagnosis. In a second group of 38 patients with primary liver disease the clinical possibility of extrahepatic obstruction required study. Such obstruction was shown in six patients in this group. Endoscopic cholangiography was of major importance in patient management. Preoperative cholangiograms were valuable in planning and, often, in shortening surgery. Previously scheduled surgery was unnecessary in 25 patients shown to have unobstructed extrahepatic ducts. Nine patients had complications from the procedure.